“The Strawberry Patch Pancake House” is the latest novel in the Dream Harbor romantic series. It follows the once prestigious chef Archer as he stumbles into his new life as a single dad and cook at a pancake house. Unable to find balance in his new world, Archer takes on the equally unstable Iris to be his new nanny. Unsure of each other at first and their new situation, Iris and Archer find that change might not be all the bad, especially if it comes with a bit of blossoming new love.

I found Gilmore’s voice getting stronger and stronger with each novel in the series and with this latest book, the characters felt so engaging, genuine, and incredibly romantic. I loved how she utilized the romantic trope of forced proximity in a unique way and the blending of the older characters in with the new. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a bit of a romantic escape. 🍓🥞✨

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is such a cozy and heartwarming book! It’s the perfect mix of small town charm and slow burn romance with a hint of mystery. The story follows Archer, a single dad and chef who finds himself running a pancake restaurant in Dream Harbor, along with Iris, who has never been able to hold down a job but somehow ends up as his live in nanny. Their relationship builds slowly, but it’s so worth the wait! This book is sweet, comforting, and full of characters you’ll wish were real. Perfect for a quick weekend read!

I'll say it again like I did with the others in the Dream Harbor series to date: Laurie Gilmore is striking gold. I have to start out by being very honest. For some reason I totally glossed over the fact that Iris is a young adult in The Christmas Tree Farm - I thought she was an older lady ((*face palm*)) - then I saw the blurb for this book and I said to myself "now, wait a minute".

Iris is a unique character and I feel a kinship with her. I was expecting daddy issues galore in this forced-ish proximity single-dad story but was very happily surprised that that was hardly the case. Iris feels human. She stumbles, she doubts herself, she cares deeply. And Archer...so headstrong, determined, dedicated...I, like Iris, found myself practically in instant-love with Archer. Did not know that I love a single dad trope but I do! Their chemistry and attraction was maple syrup sweet. Throw in Olive and you get some very funny, very adorable, sometimes heart squeezing/teary eyed moments through the innocence of a child.

This is another hit - another comfort read - and I'm waiting on pins and needles for The Gingerbread Bakery!!!!!!

Thank you Harper360, Laurie Gilmore, and NetGalley for the eARC!

Laurie Gilmore doesnt miss with these books. I absolutely loved Iris and Archer's story. Cannot wait for Annie's next. Might have to convince my bookclub to read this one soon. Thanks NetGalley and Harper 360

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is a sweet and cozy romance perfect for a weekend escape. Archer and Iris's slow-burn relationship is heartwarming, and the small-town charm of Dream Harbor makes the story even more inviting. With lovable characters, a touch of mystery, and a charming forced-proximity trope, this book is a delightful read for romance fans! 🍓🥞✨

Longer review coming soon! Absolutely loved my first Dream Harbor book even though it’s #4 - I will definitely be reading the others!! Loved the single dad hot chef trope - Archer is hot - Iris is humorous and so full of youth and Olive will wrap you around her finger!!! Strawberries are always in season with this wonderful 5 star book!

I loved being back in Dream Harbor and Archer and Iris’ love story was perfection! I’m not usually a fan of the single dad trope and didn’t expect to love this one the way I did. Side note, I love how the fictional book club actually discusses the single dad trope in the book.This book was everything I expected from Laurie Gilmore - a cozy romance set in a dreamy small town with some steamy scenes. She is the queen of writing ‘hallmark after dark’ novels and I am already dying for the next one so we can finally get Annie and Mac’s story!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. When an ambitious chef finds out he has a daughter and her mother recently died, he leaves his beloved position in France and moves to Dream Harbor. He hires Iris, a local woman who is losing her apartment and needs the live in nanny position. His traumatized daughter will not speak to him and he works so hard to gain her acceptance. Iris has no experience as a nanny but bonds quickly with little Olive and her father. The romance is sweet and passionate. As with all the books in this series, the sense of community is wonderfully heartwarming.

4 stars everyone. I think this may be my favorite of the Dream Harbor Series so far. I was an absolute feral creature for Archer. The absolute adoration for his daughter and the bond between him and Iris is uncanny. This is so much more than a single dad x nanny romance. This has everything. There is so much emotion, understanding, growth, and mutual respect in this. The tension between Iris and Archer was intense. I couldn't wait for the two of them to finally give into their feelings for one another. It did not disappoint.

This was my favorite of all the Dream Harbor series! I loved Iris and Archer’s love story. Olive was a sweet and cute little girl and I loved her spunk and personality. I can NOT wait to read Annie and Mac’s story next!!

Omg I love love this book, the found family troupe, the spice is chef kiss and the love between the two main characters really develops so much for them and they always needed each other no matter what others had told them. Laurie Gilmore never disappoint and I can’t wait for the last book in the series. Thank you for letting me experience this book once again

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House
by Laurie Gilmore


I still can’t believe I received an eARC of this book! How can you not fall in love with Dream Harbor? I want to pack my bags and head to the pancake house. Two different people with two different lives, are they meant to be?? I really like Iris and Archer. I love cute cozy romantic mysteries. I could put this one down! I really enjoy Laurie’s writing!

Tropes:

👨‍💼single dad
🛌 one bed
🏡 found family
🐌 slow burn
⭐️ forced proximity

Big thanks to NetGalley, Laurie and Harper 360 for the eARC! I truly feel so lucky to have gotten an eARC! This one of my favorite series!! I can’t wait for the next book!

Publication Date: March 18th 2025
Rating: 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

#NetGalley #TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse

What an absolute wirlwind of a book.. it will have you feeling happy, anxious, sad, and relieved. Sometimes all at once!! I just adore the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore, so when this book was announced I was THRILLED to get my hands on it. This one is more… dimensional? As it involves a familial relationship as well as the “typical” Dream Harbor intimate relationship. And I absolutely love how it came together. Blending the two “worlds” into something beautiful, and not letting either relationship overshadow or take away from the other relationship. But letting both bloom and have their own spotlight. (Familial relationship with child *versus* intimate relationship with lover)

Archer, a world class chef, finds himself in Dream Harbor after a fling from the past passes away, leaving him custody of a daughter (Olive) he didn’t know existed. Iris, a local woman, is desperate for a job so she takes the live in nanny position.

The 4th in the series, and it was my favorite so far. The writing is getting better and the storylines have more depth. It was awesome to watch both Archer and Iris grow as people, and always amazing when past couples make appearances!

THE STRAWBERRY PATCH PANCAKE HOUSE ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5. Archer has a big life, striving for a Michelin star, a world trained chef. When he finds out he fathered a girl 5 years ago, and her mom has passed, he moves to Dream Harbor to be with her. Iris is still finding her footing in life, and needs a job, so the mayor suggests she be his nanny. You know where this goes. It was a cute book, not my favorite on the series. A small town romance, that you can see a mile away, and you are there to enjoy the ride. I honestly just wanted a bit more of the townspeople in this one! The Dream Harbor fan fare can be my fav part. Overall, a quick enjoyable cozy read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Tropes
* Single Dad
* Forced Proximity
* Slow Burn
* Found Family

If you’re in the mood to read a small town cozy romance story with a HEA you will like this.
You’ll fall in love with this cute small town atmosphere and the characters.
It’s the 4th book and a new romance in Dream Harbor. If you’ve read the other books in this series you enjoy this one also.
Overall it’s a heartwarming addition to the Dream Harbor series however it can be read as a standalone also

We are back for another cozy love story in the sleepy town of Dream Harbor.

I do have to admit I have a love/hate relationship with this series. First, this series has been all over the place. I really loved Hazel & Noah’s story, but the last book I was not a fan. So expectations were not high going in. Also side note learn from my mistakes I did no research ahead of time so I thought this was finally Mac & Annie’s book. Was definitely a tad disappointed when I realized this was Iris & Archers book. Now did I grow to throughly love Archer & Iris, yes I did. But it took me a hot minute to get into their story and let me tell you once I did I was hooked.

Now the only reason I didn’t give this a 5 star is because I am not a parent, nor do I plan on ever being a parent. And this book felt like a love letter to parenting. Which there’s nothing wrong with. I just found the situations both characters were in challenging to relate too. However, Laurie Gilmore writing style is easy to follow and you can’t help but fall in love with everyone. I loved seeing our past book characters making cameos and I loved watching Archer & Iris relationship growth and development. And out of the series by far this is my second favorite.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s a fun, quick easy read that anyone could enjoy. I will definitely also be continuing on with this series. Big thank you to NetGalley & Harper 360 for providing me and arc to read and review.

Just like the red of the books in this series I love this book I never thought that the plot twist trope would be my favorite part of the book I just love this book

Love this cozy Hallmark movie type book series! I want to live in Dream Harbor. This newest book is perfect for a cozy spring reading day.

This was such a cute book! I absolutely love single dad/nanny romances and this one did not disappoint. Iris and Archer are incredibly sweet together. They have a slow burn but it's definitely worth the wait. And little Olive has my heart. This series just keeps getting better and better. If you like cozy small town romance you'll love this book. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for allowing me to read this book ahead of release in exchange for my honest opinion.

You know those cozy days where you put on your favorite clothing, make a cup of tea, order some comfort food (Thai for me!), and put on your favorite show (Buffy-that may age me)? That’s what these books feel like. They are cozy and comfortable and just needed some days.

These are my guilty pleasure and therefore I’m giving 5 Star for how it makes me happy and content.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake house follows some new comers to the neighborhood after a tragic accident leaves a 5 year old girl, Olive, with the need for a home. That home comes in the form of her dad, a Parisian Chef, that didn’t know she existed prior to the loss of her mom. He moves across the world to Dream Harbor unsure how to raise a kid, put his Michelin Star dreams on hold, and find new job.

Luckily, Iris, the local swim/yoga teacher, is in need of a new job. And one that comes as a live in nanny is ideal for her financial hardship. She just didn’t expect a smoking hot dad!

This one was just as cute at the other series. Although Cinnamon Bun and Christmas Tree are still my favorites. This one was different with new characters and the storyline around a little girl. It still had all the cozy vibes and makes that small town vibe a dream.

Come curl up with this new edition to Dream Harbor and be ready to want to make some pancakes.

Thanks @Netgalley and @HarperCollinsPublishers for the advanced digital ARC

This is my first book by Laurie Gilmore, but it won’t be my last. In fact, I did not realize this book was number 4 in the Dream Harbor series. So, to answer your question, yes it can be read as a stand alone. I loved it so much, I already have purchased the others in the series. The book is filled with all of the emotions. A really nice family story with a surprise kid, romance, food and sex all taking place in a small town where everyone knows your business.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsPublisher, #Harper360, #LaurieGilmore and #TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse for the advance copy for my honest review.

I had so much fun reading this book! This entire series is just so yummy! Laurie Gilmore literally knows how to write a yummy MMC!

A single-dad romance, which is usually my least favorite trope, where Archer comes to town all the way from culinary heaven in Paris to small town head chef at a diner. Not exactly in his plans.

Iris, our fun and flighty FMC, needs a job and a place to stay so of course there’s no reason to not take the live-in nanny position that Archer needs filled. Their attraction is instant and the slow burn and build-up is just delicious. Archer can play in my strawberry patch anytime! 😘

This book gets a 3/5 for spice. I love her spice scenes.

Highly recommend if you’ve been enjoying this series as thoroughly as I have!!!

Thank you NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore and publishers for this opportunity!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is number 4 in the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore. I've enjoyed each offering in the series. Characters show up in other books but reading them out of order won't make these books any less enjoyable. The Dream Harbor series are cozy romance books with a bit of spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital review copy.

I have read all the books in this series and they get better each time, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is my favorite! I loved Archer and Iris! Their story had fun banter and very raw emotions for both character. Olive may have stole the show a few times because she is adorable! Laurie Gilmore did an excellence job on with the single dad trope.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the 4th book in the Dream Harbor series and dare I say my new favorite. Although I can't wait for the next one. Like the rest of the series, this book gives tons of cozy reading Hallmark'esque vibes with the added spice. I do feel like as the series progresses the books get better and better.

🍓 Single Dad
🍓 Forced Proximity
🍓 Slow Burn
🍓 Found Family
🍓 Small Town
🍓 Dual POV
🍓 A bit of grumpy x sunshine
🍓 other secret tropes I won't name to not spoil anything

In this book we follow the POV's of Archer, the single dad who just found out he has a child, and Iris, the nanny who desperately needs a job but isn't a fan of children because they are "sticky".

Archer has recently moved to the town of Dream Harbor to meet and hopefully gain full custody over his child Olive. He just moved from Paris and left his dream of becoming a Michelin star chef on pause after learning he had a child whose mother recently passed in an accident. His plan is to stick around only as long as possible and then take Olive and head back to Paris. Working at a local diner and not making great impressions with the locals Archer realizes he has his work cut out for him with more than just bonding with Olive than he thought.

Iris, a local yoga and water aerobics instructor who is desperately needing a job to keep her apartment decides to listen to one of her ladies opinions from class and decides to interview for a nanny position. The only problem is, she doesn't like children. But after hearing its a paid live in position her mind was made up, even if it was for the grumpy man she spilled smoothies on.

Reader be warned however, Olive is adorable but some things she says left me all in my feelings. This was such a good book and I'm so happy that the series is continuing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked the latest installment in the Dream Harbor series, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House. Iris has lived in Dream Harbor her whole life and loves it, but she can't seem to make any romance last or keep a job for very long. In short, she is has a commitment phobia, probably because she was raised by a single mom who never had a long term relationship. Enter Archer, who recently found out that he's a dad to a five year old in Dream Harbor. He had no idea about Olive, his daughter, but when Olive's mother dies, he is summoned from his dream job as a chef in a Paris restaurant, to meet her and be approved for custody. His plan is to satisfy the courts that he can be a good father, and whisk Olive back to Paris with him. While in Dream Harbor, he works as a chef in a café, known for it's pancakes. He also needs a live in nanny and hires Iris. Will Iris and Archer change their plans and start a family in Dream Harbor? As usual, there are town meetings, book club meetings, and nosy townsfolk. The Laurie Gilmore series is a comfort read, and perfect for these long winter days. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ebook galley to review.

Thank you Harper 360 for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: A renowned chef and single dad reluctantly moves to a small town to run a pancake restaurant, where an unlikely nanny with a restless spirit might just become the missing piece in his life—with a little matchmaking help from his daughter.

My review: This may be my favorite of the four books so far! I loved the mix of tropes, and it delivered everything I expected from a cozy small-town romance—warmth, charm, and just the right amount of steam. A delightful read that perfectly balances heart and heat!

Genres/Themes: Fiction / Romance - Romantic Comedy / Romance - Workplace / Romance - Contemporary

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is scheduled for publication on March 18, 2025, by Harper 360.

Gilmore's books make you smile and Strawberry Patch Pancake House definitely did that.

This time around we have the single dad trope and nanny trope. I loved how Archer was so devoted to his daughter. Who doesn't love when a man is a great dad, especially when he's just learning of said daughter's existence? Olive was adorable. I really liked Iris's bond with both Olive and Archer. Iris and Archer had fantastic chemistry which stirred some great tension due to all the forced proximity. I really enjoyed their relationship. The grumpy x sunshine dynamic works well here with these two. The romance was sweet but also felt mature (they are adults after all). Plus the steamy scenes were well worth the wait!

This book was so cozy and lighthearted. I needed something to uplift my mood and this book achieved that. Would recommend if you like a Hallmark after dark vibe.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely adored this book. I’m not usually a big fan of single dad romances but this one was just so cute and heartwarming. I fell in love with Iris and Olive right alongside Archer. I also loved the peek of Annie and Gus for the next book. This book helped me recover from a book slump by being an easy and fun read. I plan to buy this whole series.

I think this has got to be my favorite book in this series!! Olive was adorable and really was the star of this book.
Archer was an interesting character who is supposedly a world renowned chef but when it comes to pancakes..... he could use some help to calm down his nerves. Iris was a cutie pie and i related so much with her throughout this book it was honestly pretty funny! The romance was definitely a slow burn and the tension and heart eyes they gave each other were adorable. These books are like a warm hug on a rainy day and i just love this little town so much!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the chance to read this ARC.

This book had me squealing and kicking my feet the whole time! I will admit, I am not a fan of the single dad trope or the dad + nanny trope, but this book completely surprised me. Archer is doing great at being a dad for someone who never planned on it, and I thought Iris was completely relatable. I loved watching their relationship grow, and how they didn't just do whatever they wanted when they wanted to and considered long term effects. More characters should be this way in romance books, it feels more realistic! I love how Archer became less grumpy as the book went on, and Olive seems like a really adorable little kid that I would actually want to hang out with in person. Laurie Gilmore hasn't disappointed me yet, her books are cozy and comfort in the best way. I just loved this!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was super cute! I really enjoyed it. I know that it is a part of a series, but I didn’t feel lost reading this without reading the others prior. I will be going back to read the others ASAP. Dream Harbor is the coziest town, and this book makes me wish I lived in a similar town. I did get a small ick when Archer was cooking without a shirt on, no one wants bacon grease splattering their chest. Besides that, I really loved this book, and would recommend it, especially for those that have read the others or are looking for that small town, singe dad, nanny love story! Can’t wait to read the past and future books!

If you are looking for a fresh small town romance complete with a Chef (Archer) just in from Paris and an authentic first time nanny and seniors’ exercise instructor (Iris) with just the right amount of nosy townspeople…that would be everyone…then, this is the book for you. I loved this feel good story that was believable and creative at the same time. Having grown up in a small town, I enjoyed reading about this one and its quirky characters. Ms. Gilmore did a wonderful job developing the story line. Thank you to Ms. Gilmore, NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers for the opportunity to review this delightful book!

While I haven't read the first 3 books in this series, I now understand what the hype is all about. In this 4th book, Archer arrives in town to assume custody of the 5 year old daughter that he never knew about. Her mother has died in an accident and the father she has never met comes to begin a relationship with her. Archer is a trained chef, coming from Paris, and takes over as chef at the local diner. Iris is hired to be Olive's nanny while Archer runs the breakfast and lunch shifts. You can correctly assume what transpires next!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.

I’ve loved the Dream Harbor series since I read the Pumpkin Spice Cafe. What I love most about the books is the deep connections the characters have both with each other, but also with the community and the town as a whole. In this story though, I wasn’t as invested in those relationships. Jeannie and Hazel were barely mentioned and Annie was completely left out, which really disappointed me. We didn’t get any Noah, Mac or Logan, which I really missed. I did enjoy Iris backstory and the addition of Olive was a really cute twist on the other books.

While the romance was fun and steamy, I did inwardly cringe every time I read “yes chef” in a sec scene. Please no more. Overall, I will definitely continue this series, mostly to finally get a story on Annie and Mac!

Thank you to Laurie Gilmore, NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This is my new favorite by Laurie Gilmore. Well written and lovable characters. Fast read and will give you all the feels!
Thank you NG for the ARC.

Absolutely loved this book and the whole series
Definitely recommend. It you love small town cozy vibes this book is for you ✨️ it won't disappoint.

4 Stars – Sweet, Cozy, and Heartwarming!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is pure small-town charm with the perfect blend of romance and feel-good vibes. Archer, the swoony single dad and talented chef, stole my heart, and his relationship with his daughter Olive was just too cute! Iris was such a relatable character—flawed but loveable—and watching her grow into her role as a nanny (while falling for Archer) was the ultimate slow-burn treat.

The forced proximity trope worked so well here, especially with Archer’s accidental topless cooking moments—hello, tension! Plus, the found family dynamic in Dream Harbor added a cozy layer that made the whole story feel like a warm hug.

If you love single dad romances, small-town settings, and sweet slow burns with a sprinkle of mystery, you’ll devour this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the arc of this book. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series. This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading the rest of the series. I love this series. This book is a cozy small town romance telling the story of local Iris and Archer who moves to Dream Harbor to raise his daughter Olive. I would have liked to see a little more of the Dream Harbor residents in this book and for it to be longer to accommodate for that. This book does have a small amount of spice but it fits the story. I read this book in two sittings. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I have my fingers crossed that it will be about Annie and Mac.

4.5 stars!!!! I ATE THIS UP!!!! truly another stellar book in this series and honestly this one has probably gone to the top of my list. i thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters.

the grumpy single dad who didn't know he had a whole daughter b/c the mom felt like he deserved more? my goodness. i cannot. watching archer and olive go around each other and eventually love each other was heartwarming, it was everything. this story made me laugh, cry, swoon, fan myself ;) it was just really the perfect single dad/nanny trope.

these two characters were perfect and i loved every second of them. they are probably so far truly my favorite couple in the series. their story was so beautiful and seamless and everything i needed and wanted in this story.

also the book club? yall are the best. pls send me to a small cute cozy town where there is a fun book club, because i want IN!!

big thank you netgalley and harper 360 for the arc!! i am even more obsessed with this town and these people than i was at book 1. i cant wait to see where it goes from here!!!

These books are so cozy. They’re like a hug. The town in this series reminds me so much of Stars Hollow. I love it.

This book was just as sweet & spicy as the other books from this series.

This was the perfect small town romance to read during spring.

There is a trope that happens near the end that some people might not like, but I personally didn’t mind it.

The epilogue was the sweetest and the perfect way to end the couple’s storyline.

i’ve been obsessed with the dream harbor series since book one and it just keeps getting BETTER.

main character archer was in paris making all his chef dreams come true when he found out that he was going to be a dad…to a 5 year old…in the states. aka his cooking career was over for the time being. archer had no idea about his daughter but her mother had listed him on the birth certificate so she was his whether he liked it or not.

life must go on so archer went to dream harbor, got a job, and hired a nanny to watch olive while he worked. the new nanny, iris, instantly clicked with olive. they were like two peas in a pod and their relationship was too cute for words. iris lived with them and they quickly found a cozy routine. the found family aspect in this book was TOP-NOTCH.

archer and iris started catching feelings but she never really wanted marriage or kids and unfortunately with archer, both those things would be on the line so it seemed there would be only one safe solution — leaving.

this was easily my favorite dream harbor book so far and i can’t wait to see what’s to come in book five later this year!

This book was cute and very light read. I see why people love this series because it's very charming. This is a single-dad romance where the dad is just getting custody of his daughter because the mother passes away. He is a renowned chef who moved to Dream Harbor to run the pancake restaurant. He meets the fmc when she offers to be his child's nanny and as they spend more time together they have to fight the attraction.

I liked seeing the relationship between the MCS and the kid grow especially since it started rocky. The found family tight-knit town was also very nice to read. This book was steamy and for some reason, I wasn't expecting that but I enjoyed the scenes. Overall a good read and I'm going to go back and read the rest of the series. Thanks to the publisher for this arc for an honest review.

Read for:
- Small-town romance
- Single dad romance
- Nanny fmc
- Chef mmc
- Steamy romance

why did it take me so long to read this series? i started the first and loved it so much that i immediately read the 2nd and 3rd and then realized this one was on netgalley and HAD TO HAVE IT. im suddenly saying yes chef in my sleep. i loveeeeed noah and his competency and iris was so fun, they seemed like a great pairing and i wanted more of their little family with olive. how am i supposed to wait until september for mac and annies story???

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming, charming read that took me on an unforgettable emotional journey. From the very first page, I was captivated by the lovable characters, each with their own quirks and depth that made the story so engaging.

At the heart of the book is Archer, a strict and career-driven head chef who makes the life-altering decision to leave his high-end career in Paris when he learns he’s the father of a four-year-old girl, Olive. His transformation from a disciplined, work-focused man to a tender, loving father is nothing short of beautiful. I loved seeing Archer evolve throughout the story as he navigates fatherhood and learns the true meaning of family. What really struck me was how his initially rigid demeanor quickly gave way to a gentle, caring side that was hard to resist.

Iris, the quirky and delightful female lead, was the perfect counterpart to Archer. As Olive’s nanny, she brought a much-needed spark to their lives, but her role in their world became so much more than that. Her unique blend of charm and humor made her an essential "ingredient" to the story. Watching Iris and Archer slowly bond, their connection felt so natural and warm. I loved how their relationship developed, moving from strangers to a real, functional family.

The single dad trope was done beautifully here, and I appreciated the depth of emotion that Laurie Gilmore infused into the narrative. The found-family aspect was another highlight — Archer, Iris, and Olive quickly became an unshakeable trio, each offering the other the support they needed in different ways. The result was a story full of love, growth, and a sense of belonging that left me with a smile on my face long after I finished the book.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a lovely story about unexpected changes, and the importance of family in all its forms. Whether you’re a fan of heartwarming romance or love stories about personal growth, this one’s a gem that’s hard to put down!

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

I really enjoyed this! Dream Harbor books are just so cute and cozy 🥰 I loved this one and found Olive to be the sweetest 🥹💖 I always liked Iris and I loved reading this! I can’t wait for book 5 to come out 🤩

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Harper 360 and Laurie Gilmore for giving me an ARC of this wonderful book! It was on my 2025 read list and I couldn’t be happier to be given an advanced copy!

I have read the other books in this series and this is on par with the rest. If you enjoyed the other books then you will like this as well. Even if you didn’t like some of the first ones I’d still recommend this book. I loved Archer and Iris, they were a great couple and the banter was great. Very swoon-worthy. These books are cozy romances with low stakes. The setting is adorable and half the fun. I love this town. I highly recommend this book, it’s so cute!

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper 360 for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.

When Iris needs a job during the off-season at the Christmas Tree farm, she never expects for nannying to be the answer. But when Archer finds out he is a dad to an adorable 5-year-old girl and needs help while he is busy trying to make pancakes that appease the town, he find he can't do it on his own. The solution of hiring Iris seems to be a solid one, even though neither one of them have any idea how to raise a child.
Filled with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, this continuation of the Dream Harbor series is a must-read for fans of the charming residents. If you already love Dream Harbor, you’ll fall even more in love with this latest installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for the digital ARC!

I swear every book in this series gets better. I don't usually like books with kids but sweet little Olive just stole my heart from the beginning. I had a hard time with the third act and had to sit with it for a while before writing my review, because it almost impacted it, but overall the rest of the book made up for my frustrations with the third act breakup. I just hate those. Archer was so patient with Iris and I think they both had good character growth in the end, so that definitely made up for it.

Thank you @netgalley @lauriegilmore_author and @harpercollins360 for an ARC of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House. It was so fun to return back to Dream Harbor! 🌊

I’ve been absolutely DYING for the Mac and Annie romance (we have to wait until fall!) so I was a little weary going into this novel, as our two main characters aren’t ones that I’ve been previously connected to. Iris is a minor character in The Christmas Tree Farm who worked on Kira’s farm and Archer is renowned chef and single dad that is new to Dream Harbor.

WOW! This one was fantastic. Archer and Iris had amazing chemistry, I loved seeing all the familiar characters from Dream Harbor (the book club! the town hall meetings!) and Archer’s daughter, Olive, was such a delight. These books are the epitome of found family x small town and are like a big hug in book form (with a nice side of spice 🌶️). Definitely check this one out and enjoy the escape to Dream Harbor.

What I love about this series is how light, and easy, and fun it is. Reading feels like watching a rom com and being wrapped in a warm hug. Even for the heavier elements of this book (discovering an unknown child, the grief of losing a parent, dealing with a surprise pregnancy), it all manages to feel rather happy. It’s not the most hard-hitting book, but it’s exactly the comforting balm my brain wanted.

4 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If there's one thing Laurie Gilmore has perfected, it's the ability to create the cheesiest and cutest heartwarming stories. All of her books are instant requests on NetGalley for me, and this is the one I was most excited for. I'm a sucker for a chef, and after reading The Nanny by Lana Ferguson, I've become fond of the nanny/Dad trope.

I loved that this featured more of the town and its crew than the last two books, and that we got to see another born and bred Dreamer as the MC. While this book did feature a trope I typically DNF for, it was towards the end and I honestly didn't mind it in this book. I laughed, I blushed, I teared up; all in all, another great edition to the Dream Harbor series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I think that this installment was my favorite of the series. I loved the main characters of this story as they worked through their insecurities and learned that life is not always what we planned for it to be.

Fun, cute, and found family abound! I love this little town and the people in it. I definitely can't wait to read what's next for this town

This is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore and I really, really enjoyed it! To me, it’s right up there with The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Iris becomes a nanny for Archer, a single (new!) father who moved to Dream Harbor after finding out he has a daughter. They both do not have plans to stay, but quickly fall in love…not just with each other, but the town and all of its characters. Who could blame them?

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is definitely my favorite book in the Dream Harbor series as of yet. Laurie Gilmore’s writing just keeps getting better with each book. I loved reading about Archer’s journey with meeting Olive, the daughter he didn’t know existed. Their relationship progression was so sweet, from her not being comfortable at all with him to them just being the cutest father-daughter duo ever. I wish this book had even more scenes between the 2 of them!

The relationship between Archer and Iris was equally as sweet. She really brings out the good man that he is and I loved their back and forth. You definitely start the book thinking Archer is going to be the one in the relationship with the commitment issues, so it was an interesting flip that it was Iris instead.

I’m excited to tune in for book 5 and the long awaited Annie and Mac!

As always an amazing beautiful love store they makes me happy. Perfect for spring time. The best romance writer as someone who strictly likes fantasy I love this and will read all her work and recommend it

I enjoyed this way more than I anticipated!! Archer did have me scared for a second because he REALLY was missing France, but he turned around quick and like me fell in love with this little town. I'm a sucker for a single dad and Archer found his way. I am so excited to read more about this crazy cozy town.

This series is so adorable. I’ve read all of the books before reading this one and I always get so excited when I see a new one come out. I feel like every book just gets better and better. I am not normally a romance girlie but these books are just too cute. This is definitely a slow burn book, which again, is not something I usually go for, but the authors writing is too good not to enjoy these. I do love the single dad trope (maybe because I’m a single mother) so I was happy to see it in this. Also, can we talk about the name Dream Harbor? Just the cutest name, I would love to live there.

AAAAAH Laurie Gilmore does it again!! This book was so precious. Olive immediately stole my heart and helllloooo single dad? Sign me up!! I read this book in one day and absolutely devoured it. I cannot even begin to explain how fun and squishy this whole book made me.

Oh my gosh! I loved The Strawberry Patch Pancake House! I loved the chemistry between Archer and Iris. I absolutely adored Olive! Possibly this is my favorite in the series!

I didn’t realize this was book 4 oopsies! I need to read the other ones first. Time to go add the other ones to my to be read list!

This is hands down my favorite of the Dream Harbor series so far!

I’m not usually one for the single dad trope, but could not help but fall in love with Archer and Olive as he adjusted to being a dad with Iris’s help. Having a child in the book can sometimes get in the way of really developing a relationship in a romance, but this just added to their characters and who they be and throughout the book.

The character growth in this book really drew me in, they both changed so much from the start of the book to the end, but neither of them was a weak or underdeveloped character to begin with. They just really became a family through their situation.

I loved the town doing what they do best, being skeptical of anything new or changing, and finally finding out what the secret ingredient was in the “original” pancakes!

It was of course great to see all of the other loved Dream Harbor residents again, with some exciting developments for the future!

If you want a sweet and caring relationship set in the cutest town that ever existed, this book is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An elite chef in Paris moves to Dream Harbor when he learns he has a five-year-old daughter after her mother dies in a car accident. This is a sweet, cozy, small town, nanny/chef romance.

When Archer meets his daughter, Olivia, she is afraid of him. He has a stern look about him, even though he tries to be gentle and kind to her. Archer rents a house in town so Olivia can be near her grandmother, school and friends. He hopes in six months she will feel more comfortable around him and that they will be able to move back to Paris. Meanwhile, he needs a job and the only one he can find is for a head cook at the local diner. It is humbling for him to go from working in fine restaurants in Paris to making pancakes at the diner but he makes the best of it and it brings a lot of humor to the story. When he is trying to juggle work and watch Olivia (who is an escape artist), the owner of the café, Gladys, suggests he hire a nanny.

Iris is struggling to pay rent. She teaches yoga in town and senior’s swim classes at the Y as well as filling in at the coffee shop but it’s not enough. Gladys suggests she work for Archer as his nanny. She doesn’t have any experience babysitting but she’s creative, knows CPR, likes Olivia and realizes how much they both need her.

It gets funny when the townspeople don’t like Archer’s pancakes. One of cooks warns him the town won't like him making changes to the menu. When they can’t find the original recipe and they can’t reach the old cook, Archie spends time at night trying different pancake recipes and Iris helps taste test. They flirt and have fun, yes Chef!

Archer likes coming home to Iris and Olivia and makes them delicious meals each day and Iris begins to see why people might want a partner to share their lives with, but there are still a few more challenges before they get their HEA. While I loved all of the characters and the way everything came together at the end, I would have liked a little bit more to their story. The different pancakes Archer came up with sound delicious, especially the strawberry ones he makes for Olivia (she loves strawberries).

I think readers looking for a lighthearted, summer story will find themselves smiling through this one. Thanks to the author, Harper360 and NetGalley for an ARC. My review will be posted at All About Romance closer to the review date.

Archer and Iris are a fantastic couple who have to find their way like everyone else does. The dynamic in the town is amazing as well. Makes you want ro live there.

Laurie Gilmore's latest installment, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was a fun read. If you enjoyed her last books, you will enjoy this one.

I was so lucky to be able to read this as a Digital ARC! Another amazing book from Laurie Gilmore. It was an 5 star read for me! Absolutely loved this! The forbidden love, close proximity and the spice was just chef's kiss. I absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a Hallmark style romance with some spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ And I do mean spice! Can't wait until this gets published as I will be for sure adding it to my physical book collection!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a cozy, small-town story with a dash of mystery. Set around a beloved pancake house, the book features relatable characters, light romance, and surprising twists. Gilmore’s writing is warm and inviting, making it a quick, feel-good read. While a few parts drag, it’s an enjoyable story perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming communities. Such a solid read, thank you so much for this opportunity!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House 🍓

Spring just entered the chat 💬 and what better way than to begin your spring with one of Laurie Gilmore upcoming book in her series Dream Harbor. Following the story of Archer a chef who finds out he has a daughter name Olive he now needs to leave the life of culinary arts to prove he can provide for his daughter and for it to happen he decides to move to the small town of Dream Harbor. He was suggested to find a nanny to care for his daughter while he finds a job he then meets Iris, a uncommitted relationship (due to her mother’s background ) and a fear of having children of her own but with all the debt she has she has no choice to accept the job. To think a single dad a sweet kid like Olive living on the same roof. Will she leave those thoughts of having a family of her own wouldn’t be so bad right?

Being back to Dream Harbor and seeing new characters develop is such a treat Laurie Gilmore knows how to make you escape. Such a fast paced perfect for the spring right 🌷

Mini Summary
• single dad 🏡
• forced proximity
• slow burn 🔥
• found family
• one bed 🛌

Thank you Laurie Gilmore & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts of this novel.

"Fall in love with the brand new spring romance set in Dream Harbor, from the bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and The Cinnamon Bun Book Store.

As a world-renowned chef, single dad Archer never planned on moving to a small town, let alone running a pancake restaurant. But Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and Archer needs a community to help raise his daughter, Olive.

Iris has never managed to hold down a job for more than a few months. So when it's suggested that Archer is looking for a live-in nanny, she almost runs in the opposite direction.

Now, Iris finds herself in a whole new world. One where her gorgeous new boss lives right across the hall and likes to cook topless... Keeping everything strictly professional should be easy, right?

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a cozy romantic mystery with a single dad and found family dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!"

I mean, the Gilmore Girls vibes are strong, just look at the pen name Melissa McTernan chose, she literally made herself a Gilmore girl...

Archer acaba de descubrir que tiene una hija, Olive, de la que debe hacerse cargo después de que su madre falleciera. Esto lo obliga a dejar atrás su carrera, por la que tanto se ha esforzado, y mudarse de París a Dream Harbor. Olive no quiere saber nada de él, su nuevo restaurante no está recibiendo la recepción que esperaba, y la nueva niñera, Iris, lo hace cuestionarse toda su vida.


~

Iris me desesperó en los últimos capítulos, pero se entiende por qué actuó de esa manera.
Me gustó la evolución de Archer.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC read!

I have only heard of this series by Laurie Gilmore, but this is my first time reading one of them. My first time reading a Laurie Gilmore book even. After reading the fourth book in this series, I plan to read the other three as well. What’s nice though is that you can read this as a standalone if you want. I am a big fan of Gilmore’s writing style and the way she builds the characters in her story.

This book is about Iris and Archer. The single dad trope. Live in nanny, where they fall in love (naturally). It was nice to see Archer’s development from bachelor life to dad life. I always find it sexy to see a man grow in his maturity that way. Iris is your typical single woman with daddy issues (even though it’s stated that she refuses to be one with daddy issues). Maybe we can say commitment-phobe instead? Grew up with a mom who bounced from relationship to relationship and never settled down; now Iris questions if that is how her life will be as well. I laughed, and I also cried. The smut scenes are classy, I like that Gilmore includes consent here. Definitely recommend!

Also a pregnancy trope in this book, which I will admit made me inwardly groan a bit. However, I think Gilmore made it work and thankfully the relationship/love between Archer and Iris was already fully developed before the pregnancy trope was intertwined in the story.

This whole series is like a small town warm hug. I’ve been on a single dad romance kick lately and this one hit the spot. Of course, there’s a little lack of communication but NOT the dreaded trope. Gilmore’s writing improves with each new story and I can’t wait for the next one!

Archer?? Swoon.

I am obsessed with this series, and I feel like I love each book, more and more!
I am so thankful to have been approved as an ARC reader for this one, thanks to Netgalley and @HarperCollins360.
Dream Harbor is so full of coziness, character, and nosy residents who are absolutely everything.
Iris has lived in town her whole life and does not date guys, seriously anyway... just like her mother. She could use a place to live that wouldn't hurt her bank account since her career was lacking.
Archer is living in Paris and is a world-renowned chef when he finds out he has a child and her mother passed away.
His life is turned upside down when coming to Dream Harbor, getting an apartment and beginning a trial custody period of his daughter. He had no idea she existed or what his life was about to turn into.
He quickly realizes he needs live-in help, a nanny. Iris is recommended and quickly takes the job despite them both knowing it may be a mistake, they're attracted to each other.
Archer's daughter, Olive, quickly wins over not only Archer but Iris.
The level of emotion I felt while reading this book was unexpected. I'm usually not the biggest single dad romance fan, but this story was SO special. Sweet, fun, heartwrenching with a happily ever after. I can't wait for the next book in the series, and I was genuinely so sad that the book was over, I loved reading every minute of it!

This series is just so cozy and cute and I love it!

Yes, the town very much gives Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls. It is just so cozy, I want to go there.

This book follows the new chef in town, Archer, and his daughter (that he didn't really know that he had, it's a whole thing, you'll see). Archer finds a nanny in Iris, the woman who bumped into him on the way to pick up his daughter, spilling a green smoothie all over him (those are nasty and pointless by the way).

These books are just so quick and easy to read and there's nothing wrong with reading a book for that very reason!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

Iris is anything but nanny material. Archer just found out he’s a dad. He needs help. She needs a job and a place to stay. Together, they work out their fears and take care of little Olive. A mingling of new characters and old faithfuls in my favorite New England setting make this romance a hit!

This is my favorite of the Dream Harbor books, which is saying something because I’ve loved them all. The involvement of kids, new characters and the “single father”trope (iykyk) make this refreshing and fun. I love the ending and I’d love to try one of the pancakes!

Thank you Laurie Gilmore, Harper Collins and Net Galley for allowing me to be an Advanced Reader for this one!

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This book was a little on the spicy side for me but I did enjoy the storyline and single Dad/Nanny trope. Archer had a lot to learn in his new job and with fatherhood, once he found out he had a daughter but he hires a nanny to help. Little did he know she would change his life and his daughters forever.

Nice small town read.

This might just be my favorite in the series! It’s such a quick and cozy read.

Archer, a world famous chef turned small town pancake house owner, never expected to put down roots in Dream Harbor. But with his daughter, Olive, to care for, he needs a fresh start and a little help. Iris has never quite figured out how to stick with a job but somehow ends up as his nanny.

One of the best parts of this story was watching Archer go from his carefree, bachelor lifestyle to fully embracing fatherhood! His relationship with Olive was so sweet.

The chemistry between her and Archer was so good!

This series is just so charming, and coming back to this little town always feels like a treat!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the gifted copy!

This was such a cute and cozy read. Dream harbor is the cutest little town, that I would pay to visit! Archer and Iris didn’t really strike me as a good couple is the first part of this book. I felt they were too different. Until they started this little found family with Olive at the center. This adorable little 5 year old changed them and made them fit so perfectly. I loved how this book portrayed the real messiness of having kids and also the moment that make it all worth it. This book was real and sweet and a total dream.

✨ (Diner) Chef
✨ Small town
✨ Single Dad x Nanny
✨ Found Family
✨ Forced Proximity

It's no secret that I love the Dream Harbor books and this book definitely lives up to its predecessors.

I love how we're thrown into this plot. It starts a little sad but it immediately had my heart clenching and I wanted to sob about all these lost souls. Iris and Archer were both struggling and needed a little help to find their ways. They, of course, figure out a way to do that together and I was rooting for them the whole time!

I'm not big on kids in real life and I hate most pregnancy tropes buuuut toddlers in books can be super cute and I LOVED Olive. She was seriously so sweet, my heart melted. There are so many great Olive moments and this book is honestly worth it just for that!

The tension and will-they-won't-they had me squealing! I love a taboo trope where they catch feelings for someone they shouldn't; and many a feeling was caught between Iris and Archer. I also personally felt that the approach to these feelings was pretty realistic and I loved the way it was handled in the book.

For my fellow Dream Harbor fans (are we also Dreamers?), we get some great little cameos from the characters in the previous books. While I will always recommend reading every book in this series and I prefer them in order, I think this one is an easy standalone because of how removed Archer is from the town while going through his personal home and life changes. As I mentioned, there are cameos but none of them play a big enough role to make it absolutely necessary to read the other books first.

I am so so happy with another addition to this delightful series! The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is an adorable (and spicy) book that gives you all the smiles, feelings, and small-town escapism a lot of us need these days.

(Also loved the use of the line "why are they always so sticky?" in reference to kids because of the parallel with that exact line from Luke in Gilmore Girls. Plus Archer is the chef in a diner like Luke - these books are always keeping with the Gilmore Girls theme and I'm here for it 100%)

This entire series is such a fun, cozy read. As we make it back to Dream Harbor we have Archer coming into town because surprise, he has a 5 year old daughter who is now parentless. In the hopes of figuring everything out and determining next path, he hires Iris as a live-in nanny. And bring a Dream Harbor book, you can probably guess what happens. The best part about this one - when the book club trash talks the single-dad trope and kids in a romance book. Amazing 😆

This is another great installment in the series. If you loved the first books, this one will be your next perfect, fun romance.

This story follows Iris and Archer - two inhabitants of small town Dream Harbor - when they both find themselves in need of a job. Dream Harbor needs a new chef and Iris needs to make rent. When Iris learns of single dad, Archer, she is presented with the perfect opportunity to help them both. Archer never planned on leaving his chef dreams in Paris, but when he finds himself with a daughter in Dream Harbor, he discovers his dreams lie elsewhere.

I loved being back in quirky Dream Harbor and reading Iris and Archer’s story. I usually don’t like the single dad and pregnancy trope, but Laurie did an amazing job with their story. I finished this book in one sitting and actually caught myself tearing up a few times. I love reading each couples love story and how they’re intertwined with the town. I can’t wait to read Annie and Mac’s story next!!

Tropes: single dad, found family, small town romance, accidental pregnancy, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins for this ARC!!

archer is a world renown chef, he moves to a small town to open a pancake restaurant, he hires Iris as his nanny. very sweet read.

What happens when your dreams change, when you discover that, what you thought you wanted, wasn’t really what your heart desired?

Hot guys who can cook, vulnerable little girls, and a town that can’t help but meddle all add up to a delicious read.

Publication Date:  3/18/25

Warning: will make you hungry for pancakes

#TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse
#LaurieGilmore
#NetGalley
#pancakes
#singledad
#bisquick

Laurie freaking Gilmore, you absolutely outdid yourself with this one! Strawberry Patch Pancake House has me ready to book a one-way ticket to Dream Harbour. This book is hands down the best addition to the series, earning a perfect 5-star rating from me. I laughed, squealed, cried, blushed, and felt every emotion in between. The dynamics between Olive, Iris, and Archer were so beautiful to witness. Olive’s journey through grief was written with such delicacy, and I can’t help but applaud your incredible writing. This book has everything a cozy romance needs while diving into real emotional depth. It’s the home run of the series. Every book has been great, but this one is the strawberries and cream on top. Thank you, Laurie, for this absolute masterpiece!

Laurie Gilmore, you've done it again! This book was so fun. I think this would be second behind the Pumpkin Spice cafe, but SIMPLY because I love the fall vibes in that one. This title is BURSTING with summer, and boy was it sweet as a berry patch. <3

Another excellent addition to the Dream Harbor series! I loved diving back into the small town of Dream Harbor and reading the story about Archer and Iris. I really enjoyed the inclusion of the diner (even if it made me very hungry!) and loved the banter between the love interests. I highly recommend this book to romance readers and especially readers of this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins, and Laurie Gilmore for the ebook ARC!

I have read all of the books in this series now, and this one ties with book one for my favorite! I thought this one was a little spicier, but more of a slow burn. I’m also becoming a sucker for a single parent trope!

Iris doesn’t want kids, needs a job, and needs cheaper rent. Archer has just moved to Dream Harbor (from Paris!) because he recently found out that a previous hookup has passed away and they share a daughter. He needs a nanny.

This story is so precious and tender. I really loved it and found myself actually smiling while reading it. Archer’s daughter is so endearing, and the way their relationship developed was beautiful.

Strongly suggest this series if you haven’t read any of them yet!

I’d like to start out by acknowledging that this book is pretty much made of tropes that typically don’t work for me and I don’t really love. I was also nervous to read this one because The Christmas Tree Farm wasn’t my favorite in the series. However, I’m here to tell you this book was not only a great read, it’s my new favorite in the Dream Harbor series!

I really loved the characters in this one and couldn’t help but fall in love with Iris, Archer, and Olive. The little life they created was so sweet. I enjoyed how much character growth there was from both Archer and Iris. Archer coming from a fast paced environment learning to slow down and Iris finding a place where she belongs.

The slow burn, single dad x the nanny tropes were really well done. Sometimes I feel like the nanny x dad trope leads to “insta love” feelings but I didn’t get that vibe from this story at all. Their falling in love was delicate and intentional and I really appreciated the care that was put into their relationship.

Laurie Gilmore does small town romance incredibly well. This is the biggest strength of the book and this series. With every book I’ve grown more and more attached to the cast of characters in Dream Harbor. I love when former leads pop up and we get a glimpse into their lives now, but their appearances never overshadow the current story unfolding. This novel is as cozy as a warm hug on a winter day and fits perfectly into this series.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper360 for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I am sooo looking forward to reading Annie’s story in the next book! Finally!

I loved returning to Dream Harbor! The way Iris and Arthur’s story unfolded was so beautiful - and oh, sweet little Olive 🥹 she was too precious. This story was so cute and heartwarming. I loved how Arthur illustrates how our lives can change in an instant and that we can adapt to those changes for the better. He embraced fatherhood beautifully. The emotional rollercoaster, the mutual understanding and growth he and Iris went through was amazing! Also, the tension between them was intense! 🔥😍 I’m not a big fan of single dad tropes but I ended up really loving this one! Highly recommend! I absolutely adore this series and I can’t wait the next book!

Tropes include:
Single Dad x Nanny
Grumpy Chef MMC
Forced proximity
Found Family

Title releases March 18, 2025.

Thank you @lauriegilmore_author @harpercollins360 and @netgalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Harper 360, Laurie Gilmore and NetGalley for the ARC!!

This was an absolutely adorable single dad romance! I have absolutely fallen in love with the small town and Archer just added to my love! This novel surrounds Archer, a chef who is made aware that he has a child whom he doesn’t know and that he is the next of kin due to her mother passing. Archer does what any good man does, he meets and begins caring for his daughter.

Then comes the need for a nanny.. Iris doesn’t have a lot of history with kids but that doesn’t stop her from giving it her all. This is a novel for fans of the following tropes:

💕single dad
💕nanny & single dad
💕small town
💕Grumpy chef MMC
💕found family

This novel was absolutely adorable, and the ending was as perfect as the right pancake recipe! IYKYK!

Absolutely adorable! The slow burn between the MCs is gold and I enjoyed every second of it. The cozy, Gilmore Girls vibes is the perfect way to start to get out of the gloomy winter funk we've all been. The way I giggled and kicked my feet screaming at the cuteness was just everything.

They keep getting better and better, I know every time I say it’s my new favorite. I fall in love with every single character. I love how all of the characters from the previous books come back & have roles. I fell in love with Olive, Archer and cried happy tears, sad tears, & had chills. I wish I could go eat at the diner and go to the book club and vacation in dream harbor.

3.5 ⭐️

First off, thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book, all opinions my own.

Secondly, YAYYYYY another Dream Harbor book! 😄 This series is like my favorite guilty pleasure series to read- so cozy with all the small town vibes. The town and all its citizens are so well fleshed out and I’ve had a pleasant experience so far and will gladly read every book that is released in this series and that the author Laurie Gilmore writes.

This story follows Iris: town resident/yoga instructor, and Archer: chef who found out he has a daughter and is her new guardian. I love seeing his relationship build and grow with his daughter and Iris. He ended up being such a softy as the town grew on him. It was a very cute story (much like all the others) however the back and forth with “we can’t be together but we want to be together” was a little much especially because they were always saying that to each other but flirting and hooking up and it was super redundant and I was a little bored after a while of it. I did like the way it ended though and I teared up at the end in the final scene with *the moment* between Iris and Olive.

Definitely recommend if you have enjoyed the others in this series.

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the ARC.
This series has become one of my favorites because of the cozy, small-town charm. This book was a slow burn between the two main characters and I loved the edition of the daughter, Olive. Overall loved reading this one and getting to immerse myself back into Dream Harbor. I’m sad I have to wait til the fall for the next book in the series.

One of the things I love most about the Dream Harbor series is its cozy, small-town charm—it gives you that Gilmore Girls feeling, but with spice. You know exactly what you’re getting when you pick up one of these books, which is why I chose this one as a palate cleanser after reading some much darker, heavier books back to back. I wanted something comforting and relaxing… but instead, my emotions were all over the place. Laurie, you got me with this one!

I was completely invested in this little ragtag, thrown-together family. I desperately wanted everything and everyone to work out, and my heart broke for Iris, Olive, and Archer throughout the book. Before this, I had enjoyed the series, but I wasn’t necessarily attached to the characters in the same way. This time, though? I was rooting for them with every page.

Just like Archer, I find myself growing more and more attached to Dream Harbor with each book. I can’t wait to see where the next installment takes us!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the early eARC.

Living in a small town, Dream Harbor hits close to home and is such a great series. Laurie really did us fans a solid with a single dad/ falls for nanny trope. The tension between the characters was great. I love how easy and light hearted this series is. No skimping on the spice either!

Laurie Gilmore's "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House" is the fourth installment in her charming Dream Harbor series, following the heartwarming story of Archer, a renowned chef, and Iris, a free-spirited nanny, as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood while resisting their growing attraction for each other. The book picks up where the previous installments left off, expanding the vibrant community of Dream Harbor and introducing new characters with unique personalities.

Archer, a Parisian chef, finds himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of a single father when he discovers he has a daughter, Olive. Determined to provide for his daughter, he relocates to Dream Harbor, a quaint small town, and opens a pancake restaurant, "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House." However, Archer struggles to balance his demanding career with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leading him to seek the help of Iris, a local resident who, despite her lack of experience with children, is drawn to Archer and his need for support.

Iris, a free spirit who has never held down a job for long, finds herself in a precarious financial situation and reluctantly accepts the position of live-in nanny for Olive. Despite her initial reservations, Iris forms a strong bond with Olive, and her interactions with the young girl bring out her nurturing side. As Archer and Iris spend more time together, they begin to develop a deep connection, realizing they have more in common than they initially thought.

The story unfolds with a slow-burn romance, as Archer and Iris gradually overcome their initial reservations and embrace their feelings for each other. The author skillfully portrays the complexities of their relationship, highlighting the challenges they face as they navigate their newfound roles as parents and lovers. The book is filled with heartwarming moments, humorous situations, and a touch of spice, making it a delightful read for fans of cozy romance.

Gilmore's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, with short chapters that keep the reader hooked. The book's setting in Dream Harbor, a fictional town with a strong sense of community, adds to the charm and warmth of the story. The author also incorporates elements of small-town life, including town meetings, farmers markets, and local festivals, creating a vivid and relatable atmosphere.

Overall, "The Strawberry Patch Pancake House" is a delightful addition to the Dream Harbor series, offering a heartwarming story of love, family, and finding your place in the world. The book is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy cozy romance novels with a touch of humor and a strong sense of community.

This book was cute and definitely had that surprise you’re a dad trope going for it. These books are always a bit cheesy but in that HEA Dream Harbor way. They feel like hallmark movies but books. Small town romances with all the characters and tropes you could want. I will say Archer and Iris were the fun grumpy x sunshine couple and with the addition of Olive they made a cute family. Overall if you’re a fan of Laurie Gilmore I think you’ll enjoy this one. It’s always fun to see the other characters and I can’t wait to see whose book is next!

Thank you Harper360 for providing me with an eARC

Well this was adorable. This was my first Laurie Gilmore and what a perfect book to read when spring is almost upon us. The title is so perfect and encompasses all the things I love: pancakes, small-town romance, a single dad +nanny, even strawberries.

I loved Archer and Iris and Olive, and the ease of their relationship. The slow build and connection between Archer and Olive was so sweet. I loved Iris stepping in and slowly falling for Olive. So cute! The third act breakup and arc were not drawn out or overly done. There was just enough cheese and romance to keep things light. The strawberry festival, farmers market trips, and town meetings was just adorable. This is the perfect book for spring.

3.5 stars rounded up. Fans of the series will not be disappointed with the fourth installation of the Dream Harbor Series.. Iris, who finds herself needing a job and place to stay becomes Nanny to Archer, newly appointed single dad and world renowned chef. The slow burn and tenderness between these two was well done. The feelings all the characters felt for all their emotions pulled at heart strings. And being a romance you will get the much needed HEA. I especially loved the relationships with Iris’ senior students. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This was so cute! This was my first read of this series but I will definitely be going back to read them all. This book takes place in a small New England town. Archer movies to Dream Harbor when he learns that he is a father of a 5 year old daughter after her mother dies. Overwhelmed and in need of help he hires a live in nanny named Iris.
This story has it all.
Small town
Single dad
Nanny/ Chef
Nosey but helpful community

I really enjoyed this. It was a great book to cuddle up with a blanket, fireplace , and a glass of wine.

Thank you to Netgalley , HarperCollins and Laurie Gilmore for this ARC.

Small town, cozy romance with a grumpy dad, a fun nanny, a pancake house and a child with amazing sass. Yes please.

I love that you can read this while having not read any of the others if you don't want. But it does fit into the world beautifully. The single dad, Archer, is a bit of a mess, and he clearly never planned utilising his star chef skills to be a a pancake chef. But here we are. He's grumpy but lovable. Iris is a bit of mess too, so when she offers to help babysit, the two of the are messy and slow to figure thingsa out together and it works so well with their characters.

Olive is the standout star of the show, all her scenes are incredible and she really ties together the other characters and I honestly could have had more of her through the book.

As ever with Gilmore we get some delectable spice in here that just, amazing, and adds o the story as opposed to just feeling wedged in. It was such a cute story I really adored it.

Laurie Gilmore has done it again! Her Dream Harbour series is one of my favourite contemporary romance series, and this is one of my favourites in the series. I love the single dad trope, so I was so excited to see that Laurie was writing a book surrounding the trope! It certainly lived up to my expectations. I loved Iris and Olive's relationship, and I had such a great time watching Olive and Archer form their relationship as well. And the romance between Iris and Archer was well-done as well! The chemistry between them was perfect. I also loved Archer and Iris separately; they were such great main characters. Overall, I would completely recommend this book, and I can't wait for the final book in the Dream Harbour series! :)

I can't quit Dream Harbor! Another wonderful installment from Laurie Gilmore. Pancakes are a big deal in our home, so finding the perfect pancake recipe hit close to home. I loved both of the main characters, and the forced proximity trope was executed wonderfully! I loved seeing all of the previous characters from this series making frequent appearances. It can definitely stand alone, but it's better if you've read the previous ones to make the character connections. I'm ready for the next one!

Thank you netgalley for the chance to read this!
I won't lie: I might be one of the few people who didn't absolutely adore the PSC. But this...THIS I love.
Archer has slight Carmie vibes (yes Chef!), thrust into a small community to take custody of his daughter and run the diner up to the standards of the locals. I LOVE single dads, especially ones who find themselves in parenthood, and Archer is no exception. His emotions are so complex and relatable, and his interiority over Iris makes you want to leap off the page and simultaneously hug and smack him.
Iris is adorable as well, her small town charm and loyalty shining off the page, and the slow burn between these two is completely swoony. It's steamy but not too intensely, and their third act breakup doesn't seem remotely cliche.
I really enjoyed this a TON! The final 'trope' is not my favorite but its delivered well and this couple is just adorable.

Thank you to the publisher and author for this arc! When I was approved for this book on NetGalley, I was soooo excited to get started as this series has been so enjoyable to me. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House did not disappoint. This book is #4 in the series and carries on with all of the hallmark + spicy vibes of which Laurie Gilmore is known. I loved Archer, Olive, and Iris’ story! 4 ⭐️

Okay so maybe I’m biased here, but Dream Harbor seems like the best place ever! I have loved all the other books in this series and this one followed suit. I loved the characters who feel like friends by this point. I love the connections to other books, but the fact that you do not need to read them in order. Honestly, this may be my favorite book in the series so far!

Yup. Finished in a day. This is by far the best book in this series. The best. I loved the characters and the dynamic and banter. The spice was condensed towards the mid to end of the book and not too overpowering.
I loved this book. I loved the slight tie ins to the other books but you do not have to read the others first. I will say I know people are hit or miss on this series but this one was amazing!!
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy. And I picked up my own from Barnes and Nobel today!! Our March 13.

I swear this series gets better & better each book, and this one is def my new favorite… I mean, how could it not be?!?! We’ve got sweet, we’ve got savory, we’ve got spicy, we’ve got it all 🥞🍓🍰😋

Archer has big dreams of being a chef in Paris - dreams he achieved. But when he arrives in Dream Harbor to meet and raise the daughter he never knew he had, his dreams have to change.

Iris needs a job. Immediately. So when she agrees to become a live-in nanny for the hot new chef in town, who is she to say no?

This was wholesome, a feel good, hallmarky story that Dream Harbor seems to carry. But this also focused on struggles that Olive faces with losing her mom; Archer faces with giving up his dreams; and Iris faces figuring out what she wants to do with her life.

This is 100% my favorite in the series. So far, it’s felt the most mature, while also still having that cozy, cheesy love with characters from the previous books.

My only complaints with this story was that for the first time, the residents of Dream Harbor made me mad 😡 maybe I’m just too protective of my bby Archer but eat his 🤬 pancakes and shut up (you’re doing great sweetie) and secondly, I wish there had been a bit more groveling or SOMETHIN at the end. But those are nitpicky… I loved this.

4.5 ⭐️✨🌟💫

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for this ARC!

Dream Harbor is back with another cozy small town romance and I’m here for it! After unexpectedly discovering that he has a 5 year old daughter, world renowned chef, Archer, packs his bags and leaves the country to meet her. Iris, a yoga instructor whose life is not going as planned, is a bit scared of children but reluctantly accepts that being a nanny might not be the worst option. Archer, Iris, and Olive quickly won my heart. The way that they all needed each other and slowly came to love each other unconditionally was like a breath of fresh air. Small towns and friends that become family will always have a special place in my heart and that’s exactly what this series gives us every time. There were a few moments that felt rushed but I loved every second of it. Definitely a sweet story that’ll leave you smiling.

I will also be posting a video soon! For now here is my Goodreads review.

I don’t even know where to begin. I normally am not super into single dad/single mom romance. I chose to read this book because I LOVE Laurie Gilmore and this series. With that being said this book had me swooning.

Olive was the cutest little girl ever and watching Archer find his footing as a dad was incredible and dreamy.

I loved getting to meet new characters and spend time with them while still getting to take a peek at our old friends throughout.

l enjoyed the slow burn and watching them have to fight their attraction to keep things professional and when it finally happened it was so amazing.

I appreciate her choosing to write a character like Iris to have past issues from her childhood impact how she approaches romantic relationships in her adult life because I know that is a very real struggle people have and can relate to.

I also am glad for those who maybe don’t have children yet or are new to parenthood reading that even the moms who look like they have it all together are scared too. Parenthood is not easy and not for everyone. I love that she included multiple characters with different opinions on the issue like Iris who didn’t think she wanted kids but changed her mind, Kira who doesn’t want them and is firm in that, and parents that knew they wanted them. It’s important to show versatility.

I would say if you’ve read the previous books this one is spicier than The Pumpkin Spice Cafe but less spicy than The Christmas Tree Farm.

I also thought it was so cute she included the pumpkin spice cafe coloring book into the storyline. I thought it was cute linking in another real life book of hers.

Every time I read a book in this series I declare it my favorite and then another one comes along and that one moves to 2nd place! I just love the setting and the characters and the whole damn town! A little spice, a little sweet, just like I like’em! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I thought that this book was significantly better than the other 2 in the series that I have read! I haven't read the Christmas Tree Farm which I know was the most recent title, but compared to the first two, this one felt so much more mature, well-written and thought-out.

I enjoyed being in the head of both the MMC and FMC, and liked that there wasn't a clear shift in chapter between their points of view. I thought that the writing between the two characters was easily distinguishable and appreciated the way that Laurie Gilmore casually switched their POV. I also loved Olive's character and the joy that she brought into the book. I felt that it elevated the meaning of the love story, creating a family unit rather than just another couple in this small town. It was a refreshing change of pace from the other 2 in the series that I had read.

Additionally, I thought that Laurie Gilmore's writing has improved drastically, It felt smoother, more mature and better-paced. I feel like she has built well on the foundation of the first few books and has now developed into a better author. The aspects of Gilmore Girls and a small-town is cozy and fun!

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Harper360 and Laurie Gilmore for this eArc in exchange for my honest review!

We are back in Dream Harbor and this time we got to look into the life of Iris and Archer! The story introduces us to Archer, a Michelin star level chef who has just had his entire world turned upside down when he finds out he has a 5 year old daughter, Olive, that he wasn't aware of and is now about to have sole custody of when her mom was in a tragic accident. But he doesn't know anything about raising a child, he doesn't live the lifestyle that could accommodate looking after another human being, and he definitely does not plan on staying in Dream Harbors longer than is necessary.

Iris is Dream's Harbor yoga instructor, swim instructor, Christmas Tree Farm employee, a jack of all trades. But when she's on the verge of being evicted when she can't come up with the money to pay her rent, she knows she needs to find something quick that could fix all her financial issues. In walks Archer, who is in need of a nanny...

Do you see where I'm going with this?

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was a heartwarming story of a man learning how to raise his daughter and experiencing a whole new side of love that he never ever thought of wanting, with a woman who also had her own stuff that push away the need of ever settling down and having a family. The adoration that Archer had for his daughter sent all kind of emotions to me and Iris also finding a new side to herself was lovely to read about. But we also got the hottest spice between Archer and Iris that made me not want to stop reading because I needed to know how it ended!

Perfect for anyone who loves a single dad romance with a nanny, forced proximity in a small town with the spiciness you love from all of Laurie's books!

I’m always a sucker for a cute single dad x nanny romance, it’s something I can absolutely NEVER pass up. So, I hopped into this series starting with the 4th book as I tend to do more recently and I really really liked it. Archer is the cutest especially with Olive. It’s precious little girl dad behavior that I CRAVEEEE in mu single dad books. Then theres Iris who is an absolute gem with Olive as well. I love when the kids are present in the books, sometimes I feel they’re brought up for the sake of the troupe and then forgotten, that doesn’t happen here and I’m so thankful for it. As for Irish and Archer, they’re messy adults trying to figure it out but they’re chemistry is just AMAZING throughout. They’re fun and spicy and goofy and its truly so precious. I really enjoyed reading this.

I absolutely loved this book. Hands down my favorite out of the whole series but the first one is definitely another favorite of mine. I hope the series continues and they keep getting better and better. I love how they all connect with each other.

Archer is a new hot shot chef in town who is a single dad to a daughter named Olive. He didn’t even know he had a daughter until Olive’s mother passed away. The mayor suggests that Archer hires a nanny and that’s when Iris comes into their life. I just adore the whole relationship between Archer, Olive and Iris. Nobody can replace Olive’s mother but Iris is trying to hard and it’s really sweet.

I received this book for free from netgalley and publisher in return for my honest opinion.

I loved this book. Archer and Iris are my favorite couple. The chemistry between the two is fabulous and the book has just the right amount of slow burn and spice to keep you engaged. Love the family / blended family aspect as well. This is my favorite one in the series so far.

I’ve grown to love books written by Laurie
Her writing just keeps getting better and better throughout the whole series.
A book that is definitely a must read for 2025

Every now and then I feel like reading pure fluff and being under the weather for several days had me feeling down so I decided to grab something that would be a light escape. This small town, forced proximity romance did the trick. If you miss the town of Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) Dream Harbor is worth checking out.

Archer is a single father who only found out about his five-year-old daughter Olive after her mother’s death. He was a hot shot chef living in France, but he dropped everything once he knew he had a child that needed him.

Iris is a free spirit who never considered having a serious relationship much less children. She only agrees to take a job as Olive’s nanny because her back is against the wall financially. Iris is a yoga and water aerobics instructor and has a lot of elderly clientele. I liked her relationship with these older ladies and seeing her interact with them brought a smile to my face. She also has a way with Olive that’s heartwarming and funny.

Don’t let the cutesy cover fool you, the spicy scenes are plentiful. So take that into consideration according to your personal preferences. I have never in my life seen so many variations of pancake recipes in my life. Don’t read on an empty stomach.

I got up and made a huge stack of pancakes first thing this morning 🥞 😋 so the family was glad I stayed up last night to finish this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing an Advance Reading Copy for review. These are my unbiased opinions.

You came for an easy read. You stayed for strawberry pancakes.

This read was all the cozy small town strife we have come to love from Laurie. Quickly forgiving and easily romanced, we are learning to love all the ways we come into families, and that's a lesson worth learning.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore. In this book, we follow the lives of Iris and Archer as they figure out and learn about themselves and one another. As the series is interconnected, there are many cameos from previous characters in this small-town romance, and readers are able to see more life being brought into the world of Dream Harbor.

I’m a bit of a sucker for small-town romances and like the other novels in the series, I was suckered in. It’s really fun meeting the new characters/couples but also checking in and seeing where previous couples are doing in their relationships. Iris and Archer’s relationship is very different from the others because he is a single father. I love the portrayal of his daughter and how she behaves around him; if anything, it’s like a reflection of how the rest of the town think and behave around him too.

Iris and Archer’s characters also feel very different because they both have to come to terms with themselves. While there are elements of found family and supportive friends, much of the work they have to do is individual. The amount of internal work, change, and growth is fairly balanced and reflective of moments we have in real life. I appreciate how this is played out between the characters and how it runs throughout the novel.

Overall, I was excited to return to Dream Harbor and to see the continuation of shenanigans of the townspeople and the people they love. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins360, and Laurie Gilmore for gifting me the opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own.

I love a good single dad & nanny trope, and this one has a deeper addition. The way the Dream Harbor series is written, they can each be read as the perfect seasonal standalone.

The character development of both Iris and Archer were done amazingly. The added character of Olive really helped see the grief stages of a child, while their whole world changes. I was so happy to return to Dream Harbor and get a glimpse back into our other characters lives as well.

In my opinion the books in this series always have the perfect amount of spice and story. I don’t feel overwhelmed with either. I can’t wait to jump back in when the next book in the series is released.

Is Dream Harbor real? If so, I want to go for a visit!!

This book was so stinking sweet! The fact that the father and daughter's names are Archer and Olive made me smile every time I read them.

A Paris-based chef secure in being a bachelor forever, on the hunt for the Michelin Star, has his entire world upended when he learns that he has a daughter and must leave Paris to claim custody of her. He goes from perfectly plating Filet Mignon to struggling to make a decent stack of pancakes, from being a lady's man to wanting to be a lady's man.

This book is laced with emotion: fear, love, uncertainty, pride, stubbornness, and courage, all mixed with excellently placed humor, banter, a box of Bisquick, and a dash of spice.

I loved everything about this book; I literally could not put it down, and I was sad when it was over.

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper 360, and Laurie Gilmore for allowing me to read the ARC of this cozy small-town novel.

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Archer, Iris, and Olive have made their way into the Dream Harbor universe in such a great way. I have enjoyed all of this series, but this one may be my favorite. Adorable setting, interesting characters, fun moments. I read this story in one sitting, and I bet you will enjoy it as well.

If you’re feeling down or just want a cozy, feel-good romance, this book is exactly what you need. It’s warm, comforting, and full of heart—like the book version of your favorite dessert.

I haven’t read the rest of the series yet, but after this, I definitely will. It has that charming small-town feel, with kindhearted people and a story that pulls you in without feeling overly dramatic or unrealistic.

The story follows Archie, a talented chef who suddenly learns he has a daughter, Olive, after her mother passes away. To raise her, he leaves his successful career in Paris and moves to Dream Harbor, taking a job at a local diner to prove he can provide her with a stable home. But it’s not easy—his new neighbors dislike his fancy food, Olive won’t speak to him, and the town’s older women constantly check in on his parenting skills. He’s in over his head.

That’s where Iris comes in. She’s struggling to find work and desperately needs a fresh start. Becoming Olive’s nanny seems like the perfect opportunity—except for one problem: her ridiculously attractive, grumpy boss. She knows she should keep things professional, but it’s hard to ignore his late-night pancake-making skills or those infuriatingly cute dimples.

Both have a lot to lose, and falling for each other could make everything more complicated. But as their connection deepens, they start to wonder—what if this is more than just attraction? What if they could build the kind of family they never thought was possible?

This book is sweet, heart-melting, and impossible to put down. If you love slow-burn romance with lovable characters and small-town charm, you’ll adore this story. Five stars!

A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the review copy!

The dream harbor books always have perfect seasonal vibes. I loved reading about the strawberry festival and seeing dream harbor in spring. I also really enjoyed seeing Iris and Archer connect! I need a personal chef to make me dinner now. I also liked seeing Archer and Iris figure out how to bond with Olive and be responsible for a tiny human. They all had really great connections that were well developed.

I did struggle a bit with Iris originally wanting to be child free and ending up changing her mind. I think women who want to be child free are often told they will change their minds so I wonder if stories like this would be frustrating to read.

I think if you like a nanny and single dad romance, or a smalltown romance you'll love this one! There are town meetings and pancake missions and the spring vibes are excellent!

After surviving a terrible flu, the only thing I wanted was to digest a book that would nourish my soul and heart, lift my broody mood, and bring some warmth back into my life. Thankfully, this book was the perfect cure! It completely treated my post-flu blues, made me swoon, and had me grinning so wide I thought my face might split in two. And, of course, I lost count of how many times I said, “Aww!” while reading.

If you’ve had a tough day, are in a bad mood, or just need something cozy, sexy, and cuddly, grab this book! It’s better than any medicine and just as effective as a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake.

I haven’t read the other books in this series yet, but they’re now at the top of my TBR. I’m saving them for the days when life feels overwhelming, and I need the sweet, swoon-worthy, soft healing powers of a great romance. It gives off a bit of a Hallmark vibe with its small-town, tight-knit community full of good-hearted people, but it’s done in a way that feels authentic and completely lovable—never over-the-top.

The forced proximity, grumpy meets sunshine, and opposites attract tropes are all wonderfully executed. The single dad, found family, and slow-burn romance themes are also major highlights, making it impossible not to devour this story in one sitting.

The plot revolves around hotshot chef Archie, who suddenly discovers he's the father of a little girl, Olive, after her mother tragically passes away. To gain full custody, Archie leaves behind his prestigious career in Paris and moves to the small town of Dream Harbor, where he takes a job at a local diner to prove he can provide a stable home for his daughter.

But adjusting isn’t as easy as he expected. The townspeople hate the changes he makes to the diner’s menu (they even send back his pancakes in protest!), Olive refuses to talk to him, and the town’s elderly ladies keep dropping by unannounced to monitor his parenting skills. Archie is drowning—and he desperately needs help.

Enter Iris, who can barely hold down a job, is struggling to pay rent, and is in dire need of a fresh start. Becoming Olive’s nanny seems like the perfect solution, even if it means dealing with her brooding, ridiculously sexy, grumpy chef of a dad. She should be able to resist his charms… but how can she when he’s whipping up late-night pancakes like it’s some kind of seductive one-man cooking show? Or when his arms flex while whisking butter (seriously, how is that even legal?)? Or when those adorable dimples make an appearance every time she teases him?

But crossing the line could ruin everything. Archie is determined to be a good father and secure full custody of Olive, and Iris can’t afford to lose another job—especially not one that could finally give her some stability. On top of that, the last thing she wants is to hurt Olive by giving up when things get complicated.

Yet, with each passing day, sparks fly, tension builds, and the temptation to break all the rules grows stronger. And even though everyone warns them to keep their hands to themselves, resisting might just be impossible.

But what if this could be more than just a fleeting attraction? What if two struggling adults could come together and create the kind of family they never thought they’d have? Could they find their own happily ever after?

Overall, this book is as sweet as a stack of strawberry pancakes and absolutely deserves its five heartwarming, swoon-worthy stars. I can't wait to read more books in the series, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy as soon as possible!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this cozy small-town romance in exchange for my honest thoughts.

An absolutely heartfelt steamy small town story. Some heavy topics including grief of a child for her lost mother. Reading as Iris learns to let go of her own past trauma around relationships and gets to know Archer as he finds his new goals and learns to love the daughter he never knew he had.
A great smattering of comedy, romance, heat, and people fighting through their own issue for a HEA.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was not entirely what I expected, but I was pleasantly surprised. Like the book club even pokes at, I don’t usually reach for romance books that involve single parents or children, but I liked the variation of this Dream Habor book. Archer is a world renowned chef who finds himself in Dream Habor when he finds out he has a daughter and now he is the sole parent after a tragic accident. While Archer grieves the life he once had on the other side of the world, he begins to fall in love with Dream Harbor and…the nanny? Although a total faux paux, Archer finds himself falling for the always single, never wants kids, nanny by the name of Iris. Can he convince Iris that he and Olive are worth changing her whole world view?

This series is a fun, fluffy rom com and this one was no different.

A single Dad with a daughter he never knew about. A nanny who isn’t sure she likes kids. Of course you have a good idea of what will happen. It’s a fun read. The little girl was adorable.

I’d recommend this to others.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Another cozy, quick read in the Dream Harbor series. I love that we see our old mcs and get little updates on their lives. And as always we have our overly involved (nosy) towns people.

Archer and Iris have the best chemistry, the slow burn as they get to know eachother is perfect for this story. I love how as their feelings for one another build we see their characters develop so well. As much as I love Iris and Archer, Olive is absolutely the star of this book.

Strawberry Patch Pancake house did not disappoint to bring the Hallmark vibes we've grown to know from Dream Harbor.
(The little peak at Annie and Mac's story is not enough to hold me over until The Gingerbread Bakery comes out)

*thank you netgalley for this arc*

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this E-Arc, in exchange for an honest review.
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug. Iris is doing her best to get her life back on track, and Archer is a ridiculously talented chef whose big dreams took a detour-now he's a single dad trying to start fresh.
When Iris finds out he's moving to Dream Harbor, she jumps at the chance to lend a hand. And honestly? Archer never expected to end up here, but this little town might just be exactly what he needs to figure out what really matters.
I don't usually gravitate toward single-parent romances, but Laurie Gilmore has a way of pulling you in and making you feel everything. I flew through this book in one sitting-no joke-and may or may not have gotten a little emotional (okay, a lot emotional).
One of my favorite things about the Dream Harbor series is how the romance feels so deeply tied to the town itself.
There's something almost magical about it.
Bottom line? If you're in the mood for a heartwarming, feel-good read that leaves you smiling, this one's a must.
4.25 Stars!
#NetGalley, #TheStrawberryPatchPancakeHouse,
#Harper360

Book four in the series. Another fun, cozy read in the series, Archer moves to a small town and runs a pancake house. Iris becomes his nanny even though she doesn't hold down jobs for very long. Is their love meant to be? This is a quick, fun, romantic read!

Each time I pick up a book from The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore, it feels like coming home. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the next installment and needless to say I adored Iris and Archer‘s story as well.
 
Iris has lived in Dream Harbor her whole life and she’s still trying to find her place. She teaches sport classes and I loved how you get to see the other Dream Harbor inhabitants as well. Iris is such a kind, creative and loving person who is just what Archer and Olive needs.
 
Archer is a world-renowned chef, and his life is turned upside down when he learns that he’s a father and he’s the only one his daughter Olive has left. I really liked seeing Archer and Olive‘s relationship and how it slowly progresses and how Archer wants to be the best dad possible. I always adore single dad stories and this one was no different and you can only love Archer.
 
Not only is this a beautiful single dad story but Iris also becomes the live-in nanny and that created the perfect forced proximity situation. This story is just so wholesome and sweet and had so many amazing little moments. These characters grow together and become the perfect little family and I loved every second of it. And the charming setting of Dream Harbor only added to it.
 
You should totally add it to your tbr, if you also love small-town romances. Highly recommend. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

This book was everything I didn't know I wanted it to be. I have been in love with this series from the very beginning and I keep thinking that I can't love the next book as much but I always do. This was the first book that made me tear up a little and there was definitely a lump in my throat at the end. This was such a sweet and also spicy addition to Dream Harbor. I loved all the pancake trial and errors. This is usually my least favorite trope, but Laurie somehow made it work and made me love it. I'm already sad to leave Dream Harbor and can't wait until book 5 comes out so I can visit again. Spice 2.5/5

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the next book in the Dream Harbor series. In this one, we meet Archer who has been living his best life in Paris as a renowned chef, determined to get his Michelin star. He then finds out that he has a daughter, Olive. He had no idea that she even existed, she was the product of one of his many flings and the mother, Cate, never told him and was raising Olive on her own. Suddenly he finds that he has to step up and be a father to this little girl and has to give up his dreams and move to the sleepy little town. He gets a job at the local diner and tries desperately to revamp it, much to the dismay of the town. He needs help with Olive so he can work, they Mayor suggests Iris, whose life is in turmoil and she's barely scraping by. Although she really doesn't want to be a Nanny, it's an offer that she can't refuse. It's a live in position and she really needs this for some stability in her life. Olive is sad and struggles to connect with her new Dad. Iris really helps bring her out of her shell and bring the family together. Just one problem, these two have chemistry that is off the charts. They try to manage their desires for Olive's sake, but of course that plan doesn't go well. Can they both overcome their issues and make this little family work?

I was a little leery going into this one because it can be tricky to write a romance novel with a small child in the mix, but somehow Laurie managed to pull it off and create a really good story. As always, I had fun spending a little time in Dream Harbor and connecting with some of the other townspeople. Thank you to @netgalley and @harper360 for this #gifted copy. Looking forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the eARC!

This whole series is just a chef‘s kiss! I have read all of them in one sitting because they are just so cozy!! Each book in this series has definitely had a Stars Hallow feel with their rambunctious town meetings, a very involved mayor, and a few older ladies with a Ms. Patty feel, just to name a few!! I also really love that you get tidbits about characters from the previous books as well! IMO, these could be read out of order and as a stand alone. While this was not my favorite romance trope—I always have a hard time when is a kid is involved, I did enjoy the MMC. He reminded me a bit of Gabriel from Emily in Paris, and I was elated to read in the acknowledgements that it was true!!

This has to be my favorite of the Dream Harbor series. As with all Laurie Gilmore books, I was captivated from the first page to the last page. Not really a fan of romance novels because of the spice (I am more of a closed door romance reader), but this author has pulled me in with characters who are humorous and endings that are delightful.

I really enjoyed the tension between Archer and Iris. The added element that I did not know I needed was Olive, Archer's daughter. I don't think I have ever laughed and enjoyed a book so much. I would give it 4-4.5 stars, for I rarely give anything 5 stars. Overall, this was a warm hug of a read.

This might be one of my favorites in the Dream Harbor stories! So cozy and sweet and romantic. Love!

The best book in the Dream Harbor series so far! This series keeps getting better and I can’t wait to learn more about these characters!

This book was so sweet and perfect for getting me out of a reading slump. I always love kids in books and this one was no different I loved Olive so much. I’ve never read the nanny/ single parent tripe but this one had me hooked and looking for more. I loved archer and Iris so so much they were a mess but trying to figure things out for each-other. As always with this author this one was a 5 star!

4.5! This was so darn cute, and I loved every second of it. It was so fun going back to Dream Harbor again. The shenanigans of the town were out full force in this one with the pancakes, and it added really fun humorous moments to the more serious ones! The author said in her acknowledgements she doesn’t usually write kids into her romances, but you’d never know it with how realistic and well done Olive’s character was, and honestly? The whole town is wrapped around that little girl’s finger and I love it. Iris is an optimist and I loved the relatable bits and pieces we got of her life style and how she tried to mesh it with grumpy Archer until they finally hit the ground running. This is a slow burn, it almost had to be, but it sweet and lovely and truly every time I read a Laurie Gilmore book, I feel like I’m in a hallmark movie, and that’s the biggest compliment in my eyes!

My goodness, this was absolutely adorable. Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book.

Archer Baer is in a new town…meeting his five year old daughter, Olive for the very first time. She was a surprise he wasn’t sure he was ready for but he was there to see it through.

Iris Fraiser is in a pickle. She happens to fall into a nanny job for the hot new chef in town. But what she wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with both little girl and her daddy. Iris’s character had me laughing a lot. Shes exactly what Olive and Archer need. We follow along as these two start crossing lines and the kitchen gets steamy!

I loved it! Highly recommended.

Laurie Gilmore does it again with The Strawberry Patch Pancake House! This was such a cozy, small-town romance with just the right amount of steam. It follows a newly single dad and a free-spirited woman who can’t seem to find her path, and it’s packed with some classic tropes—grumpy-sunshine, single dad, and surprise pregnancy.

Normally, I’m not the biggest fan of some of these elements, but Gilmore’s writing totally won me over. The domestic moments were sweet without being boring, and the chemistry between the leads had plenty of tension to keep things interesting. It’s that perfect mix of heartwarming and spicy that makes for such a fun read.

If you love small-town romances with a little extra heat, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Another fun story set in Dream Harbor. I love this series and all the townsfolk!

French chef, Archer, finds out he has a daughter after her mother passes and he moves to Dream Harbor to be with her. Soon he's flipped his entire life upside down - he's a single dad, looking for a nanny, working at the local diner and fighting with the townsfolks about how to make the pancakes. It's a cute story, as he finds Iris to help look after his daughter, Olive. It's funny to see his struggles with the locals hating the changes he's made to their diner and how it eventually turns into the pancake house.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I adore this series! Every book is cozy and romantic. This one was super sweet and I am obsessed iced every single character! This is an easy 5 star! Top tier vibes!

4.5 stars this was SOOO enjoyable! This has gotta be my favorite single dad trope I have read so far, I love Archer, I love Olive, I love Iris, I literally love them all!! I loved seeing Olive open up w/ Archer and see their bond form. I love Dream Harbor its just such a cozy series with such good spice. Now I am on my way to go devour pancakes because it is all I could think of after reading this book!! This is definitely my favorite so far in the Dream Harbor universe!!

I've loved reading the Dream Harbor romance series; this latest one did not disappoint. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House, by Laurie Gilmore, is set in a small town, filled with fun characters and relationships, and heated up with a bit of spice! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an advanced e-book reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you’re looking for the cutest town with Gilmore Girls vibes and love stories - look no further than The Dream Harbor Series by Laurie Gilmore! The Strawberry Patch Pancake House starts off with newly discovered single dad, Archer moving to dream harbor after he find out about the daughter he never knew he had. Sadly he find out due to the mother of the child dying. The accidental meet “cute” between Archer and Iris had me cringing and laughing. I love this series - the characters are so relatable and follow text book definition of small town folks (everyone knows everyone and everything). I really liked the ending especially because it seems to be a second chance especially for both main characters.

Also - it really had me wanting pancakes and a date with a world traveling chef! **foodie for life**

Forever wishing that Dream Harbor was a real place so I could grab a coffee at Jeanie’s cafe, talk books with Hazel before stuffing myself full of pancakes with Iris at the diner, and gossip with Kira and Annie.

I just love this series so much, and every new sweet and swoony romance has been better than the last!

- single dad + nanny
- forced proximity
- small town shenanigans
- found family

Easter is right around the corner; the snow is melting, the rain is pouring, and the last chilly days are almost over. This is a perfect read for this season—bright and sunny, yet cozy, warm, and sexy. This is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series. I haven't read the others, but they are definitely on my TBR list now. It is a standalone novel set in the cozy town of Dream Harbor, where the other books in the series are set. We get glimpses of the main characters from the other books, but you don't have to read them all to fully enjoy this one. You don't even need to read them in order. It is such an easy, fast-paced, yet slow-burn read! It is also interesting to see how little kids are present in a romance novel; the author's handling of it is amazingly good.

The book is about Archer, a world-renowned chef and single father to Olive. But it is also about Iris, who couldn't hold a job for more than a few months, struggling to make ends meet and pay rent. When Olive's mother passed away, Archer discovered he was the father of a cute five-year-old girl named Olive and now has to prove stability to get custody. He is used to working in fancy kitchens in France and Italy, but now he needs to stay in the small town of Dream Harbor because experts say it will help Olive adjust to her new normal if she is in familiar surroundings. Now, Archer has to work as a cook in a small diner/pancake house. He also needs a nanny to care for Olive while he is at work, trying to please the townspeople who dislike his fancy cooking. Here comes Iris, who does not want to get tangled in this family drama; she hates kids and how sweaty and sticky they always are, but a rent-free, live-in nanny gig is a perfect way to save money. All she has to do is not fall in love with the family, but her new boss cooks in the middle of the night, basically shirtless. How is that fair?!

Overall: All the tropes check out! Found-family, forced proximity, opposites attract, and the single-dad trope. I immediately fell in love with the main characters, Olive, the town, and its people. Highly recommend!

This book is available on March 13, 2025. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for providing me with a digital advance review copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. 🫶

Trigger Warning: kid's mental health, grief, and spicy content

4.75 🌟
Spice: open door

It's always a fantastic time when I return to Dream Harbor. This small town and all its residents have a piece of my heart. Ivy, Archer, & Olive quickly wormed their way in as well. I love a good single dad/nanny romance. The added bonus of Archer being a chef 🤭 gives a new meaning to 'Yes chef'
I wouldn't say their romance was picture perfect. They definitely had some bumps along the way. I enjoyed watching them navigate their feelings. I loved Archers relationship with Olive. It took some time, but that first time she called him, dad melted my dang heart.
Can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don't often read single dad romance books, but being the next in the series, I had to read this one. Laurie Gilmore did a great job making this both fun and heart-warming, and of course adding a little spice. Archer and Iris' story is full of ups, downs, and the unexpected. When Archer finds out he has a daughter and moves back to the US to be there for her, he doesn't know what to expect. Iris needed a place to live and wasn't looking to changes her ways. Sometimes life has other plans for you. I can't recommend this series enough.

A very sweet story centered around Archer, Olive, and Iris. Archer's life gets thrown a major curveball, and he learns that no matter how hard you try to plan, things will not always go the way you thought. With lots of ups and downs Archer learns to adapt as a new dad to a daughter he never knew he had.
Lots of great characters, fun banter, and a small town setting. Completely hooked from the start.
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

A charming little love story is the coziest of places. I love Dream Harbor its atmosphere is made for sweet light romances which is exactly what Archer and Iris provide. Their connection was fun and sweet at times and felt clumsy and clueless at others, it’s a slow burn which I enjoyed the forced proximity came off a bit awkward in spots but I felt their tension was written well as was the spice. Olive really was the bright spot in the book for me and kept me going through to the end. She really brought things together and her relationship with Iris was incredibly endearing. I struggled with likable characters in this one, Iris was a bit too bubbly and flighty for me and her inner dialogue and reactions frustrating. Archer while a fitting compliment to Iris I found to be rather cranky and unenjoyable most the book. Together they made sense though and I loved seeing them figure it all out in the end. It’s a quick lighthearted read great for a quiet spring afternoon where you can escape into the beginning of this little family.

I have been completely obsessed with this series since starting The Pumpkin Spice Cafe. Each book in this series gets better and better and this one hands down is my favorite one in the series yet!

Tropes:
🥞Single dad
🍓Small town romance
🥞Forced Proximity
🍓Slow Burn
🥞Found Family

I absolutely LOVED the plot and the dynamics between the MCs. This one unexpectedly pulled at my heart strings. I had such a soft spot for Archer and how he stepped up as dad for his newly discovered daughter. The chemistry in this one was so perfect and I loved this town! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and the fact I have to wait is going to be painful! 😂 this one is a must have trophy shelf book series!

***Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 One More Chapter for an e-arc of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore! All thoughts are my own!***

Renowned chef Archer Baer never planned on moving to a small town. But when Archer finds out he has a five year old daughter who needs her father after the death of her mother, he moves to Dream Harbor to raise his daughter. Luckily, the community is more than willing to help him raise his daughter, Olive, and they need a new chef for their beloved diner.

Iris hasn't been able to hold down a job for more than a few months at a time. She finds out that the new chef is looking for a nanny for his daughter. Being behind on her rent and her senior classes doesn't get her very far. Her lack of funds doesn't give her ability to say no, especially finding out it's a live in position. She shudders at the thought of having to take care of a child with little to no qualifications, but she reluctantly agrees in dire need of money.

Archer and Iris start to get used to their new roles in Olive's life, but they might have more in common than they thought, or maybe Olive is just playing match-maker.

As much as I knew I should probably savor this book, I couldn't help but it! Getting to see Iris again after The Christmas Tree Farm was such a delight, especially how close her and Kira got from the previous book. From the first time Iris and Archer meet, I was giggling and kicking my feet! Seeing Archer and Olive blossom throughout this book was so heartwarming to see. I teared up a few times over how wholesome the two of them were. Going from being a chef in Paris, to a single dad trying to do right by his daughter, he took to his new role in life so well. I have a culinary background, so when I found out Archer was a chef, I was so excited to see that added to the series. When Archer cooked for Iris for the first time, introducing ingredients to Olive, I couldn't stop the smile on my face.

I went to see the author at a Q&A event when The Christmas Tree Farm came out, and she mentioned some of the aspects of Olive's character, including her sleepwalking, was based on her own children, which was great to see incorporated into the book.

This is my current favorite book of the Dream Harbor series! This book has my whole heart and is the perfect book for a spring day while eating strawberry pancakes! If you need a warm hug of a book, this is for you!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is available March 18, 2025! Thank you so much again for another opportunity to review a Dream Harbor book!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was a delightful standalone in the Dream Harbor series. It's cozy, and heart-warming with a slow-burn build-up, and the right amount of steaminess. I loved that the characters were flawed and real, and you could feel the connection. Although, I'm not a fan of an included trope, I appreciate how it was handled and don't feel like it took away the enjoyment of the book.

The bonus was the discovery of my new favorite term, competence p*rn,

Thank you to. NetGalley and Harper 360 for the arc.

ISO: One way ticket to Dream Harbor

If you’re looking for the coziest small-town romance with a swoony single dad, a found family vibe, and just the right amount of slow-burn tension, The Strawberry Pancake Patch House is it! Laurie Gilmore delivers another story that feels like a warm hug—with a side of sizzling chemistry and plenty of heart.

Archer is the kind of hero that makes you melt—a world-class chef turned small-town pancake house chef, trying his best to raise his daughter, Olive while adjusting to a completely new life. Then there’s Iris, who never sticks to one job for long but somehow finds herself becoming Olive’s nanny… and living right across the hall from her ridiculously attractive boss (who, by the way, has a habit of cooking shirtless 😍).

The slow burn between Archer and Iris is torturous in the best way—so much tension, so many stolen glances, and plenty of moments where you just know they’re doomed to fall for each other. And let’s not forget Olive, who steals the show and makes this found family dynamic even more heartwarming.

With a small-town setting you’ll want to move to, a romance that builds beautifully, and a delicious mix of humor, heart, and heat, The Strawberry Pancake Patch House is a must-read for fans of cozy romance with depth. Plus, the HEA is so worth the wait!

Highly recommend for anyone who loves:
🥞 Single dads with big hearts
🥞 Forced proximity that leads to undeniable chemistry
🥞 A small-town setting you’ll never want to leave
🥞 Found family that makes your heart so full

Laurie Gilmore has created something truly special with this one! 💕

Another delightfull installment of the Dream Harbor series.
You cannot help but find yourself rooting for Archer, Iris, and Olive.

While these books are best read in order, you can read any of them as a standalone as well.

I will keep coming back to Dream Harbor as long as Laurie Gilmore is writing it!

eARC copy of The Strawberry Patch Pancake House.

Welcome back to Dream Harbor! I am so happy to be back in this quirky, cute town. I absolutely loved this book! The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series—and my favorite so far.

Iris has always been a background character, so I really enjoyed seeing her step into the spotlight as the female main character in this book. Archer, a newly single dad adjusting to some major life changes, was a fantastic male lead. Watching his journey play out on the page was so satisfying. And the chemistry between Iris and Archer? Perfection. The banter was sharp, the tension was palpable, and the single dad/nanny trope—one of my favorites—was executed so well.

The side characters were also used beautifully, and I especially loved seeing Kira from book three pop up in several scenes!

I highly recommend this book, especially if you love the tropes I mentioned. While it’s part of a series, it’s an interconnected standalone, so you can absolutely read it on its own!

girl, Olive, after her mother tragically passes away. To gain full custody, Archie leaves behind his prestigious career in Paris and moves to the small town of Dream Harbor, where he takes a job at a local diner to prove he can provide a stable home for his daughter.

But adjusting isn’t as easy as he expected. The townspeople hate the changes he makes to the diner’s menu (they even send back his pancakes in protest!), Olive refuses to talk to him, and the town’s elderly ladies keep dropping by unannounced to monitor his parenting skills. Archie is drowning—and he desperately needs help.

Enter Iris, who can barely hold down a job, is struggling to pay rent, and is in dire need of a fresh start. Becoming Olive’s nanny seems like the perfect solution, even if it means dealing with her brooding, ridiculously sexy, grumpy chef of a dad. She should be able to resist his charms… but how can she when he’s whipping up late-night pancakes like it’s some kind of seductive one-man cooking show? Or when his arms flex while whisking butter (seriously, how is that even legal?)? Or when those adorable dimples make an appearance every time she teases him?

But crossing the line could ruin everything. Archie is determined to be a good father and secure full custody of Olive, and Iris can’t afford to lose another job—especially not one that could finally give her some stability. On top of that, the last thing she wants is to hurt Olive by giving up when things get complicated.

Yet, with each passing day, sparks fly, tension builds, and the temptation to break all the rules grows stronger. And even though everyone warns them to keep their hands to themselves, resisting might just be impossible.

But what if this could be more than just a fleeting attraction? What if two struggling adults could come together and create the kind of family they never thought they’d have? Could they find their own happily ever after?

Overall, this book is as sweet as a stack of strawberry pancakes and absolutely deserves its five heartwarming, swoon-worthy stars. I can't wait to read more books in the series, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy as soon as possible!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.


I’ve read all four books in this series, and this one was by far my favorite!! Seeing Archer struggle to raise his 5 year old daughter, who he just found out existed, all while falling in love with Iris was such a heartwarming story. Poor Iris was just as nervous to be a first time, live in nanny for little Olive, and she desperately wanted to keep that little girl safe and thriving. She was so scared to admit or act on anything she felt for Archer, because she was always worried how Olive would be affected. The two of them were imperfectly perfect together, and seeing their little family evolve was such a good time, and Iris’ internal monologue was so damn funny. This book was easily a feel good, 5 star read. I wouldn’t have changed a thing!!

5🌟
1.5🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper 360 and Laurie Gilmore for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Here we go! We're at book 4. Seasonally: we are starting the beginning of March and being carried through summer.

This book as some of your favorite tropes: world reknowned chef comes to the small town to care for the kid he didn't know he had, single dad & nanny, carefree/directionless(??) FMC that doesn't want kids or family based on her home life growing up but maybe this kiddo will make her change her tune. ANNNND perhaps one of your not favorite tropes: not gonna say which one- but it worked here!!! Listen! I'm all in on the cozy simplicity of these series in the times we are living in. It's not that serious! Just enjoy it!

Gahhhh! Annie & Mac's story is next!!! And we're back to Christmastime? EEEEEE!!

Loved this super cute and steamy single dad-nanny romance. Archer has just found out that he’s the father to a five year old girl whose mother had recently passed away. He’s way out of his depth as a father since he needed to uproot his life as a chef in Paris to move to the small town of Dream Harbor. And he has no idea what he’s doing with the kid. He hires Iris as the new live-in nanny, and she also has no idea what she’s doing with the kid. She basically has zero experience but she’s needs the money and a free place to live. And of course, the physical attraction and tension between Iris and Archer is high. Though they’re both starting to catch real feelings, especially as a built-in family unit. Iris is the skittish one here and needs to overcome her fears of commitment, while Archer has done a fairly good job of warming up to his new life. Loved this addition to the series.

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore is the 4th book (standalone) in the Dream Harbor series. I enjoy these books because they're cozy, pretty predictable, steamy, and sweet.

World-renowned chef Archer never expected to leave his career behind for small-town life, but Dream Harbor needs a new chef, and he needs a stable place to raise his daughter (who he had no idea about), Olive. Meanwhile, Iris has never been great at holding down a job, so when she’s offered a position as Archer’s live-in nanny, she’s tempted to turn it down, especially since her new boss is hot. Archer absolutely does not want to fall for the nanny, and Iris has no intention of setting down, but this is a romance book after all.

I’m not usually drawn to the single-parent trope, but this one worked well within the story. Watching Archer fall in love with his daughter, Olive, while adjusting to small-town life at the diner was a heartwarming journey. With that being said, can we get more steamy books with chefs? I’m absolutely here for that trope.

I also found Iris to be an interesting character. She’s lived in Dream Harbor her whole life but is still seen as flighty. Usually, that label makes me think of someone constantly moving from town to town, but in her case, it meant trying out different ways to make a living. I also appreciated how she was pretty sure she would not enjoy being a nanny and she never wanted children of her own, but how she was eventually open to rethinking her beliefs. It added a unique layer to her character that I enjoyed.

This is a slow-burn romance (about a 2 on the spice scale) with low stakes and all the charm of a small-town love story. If you're a fan of the series, this one won't disappoint.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper 360, for the ARC ebook!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to HarperCollins, Harper360, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Dream Harbor series is one of my all time favorites, so reading this was super exciting and so much fun! This is a perfect read for this time of year—uplifting, sunny, cozy, and spicy. This is the fourth book in the Dream Harbor series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone book. It’s set in the cozy and cute town of Dream Harbor, same as the other books in the series, and the main characters from the other books make a few appearances. Such a cute read that’s perfect for spring! 🍓🥞💕

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House centers on Archer, a world-renowned chef and single father to Olive, and Iris, who can’t keep a job for more than a few months and is struggling to make ends meet. When Olive’s mother passed away, Archer discovered he is the father and now has to prove that he would be a good father to get custody. He needs to stay in Dream Harbor because it will help Olive adjust better if she’s in familiar surroundings. Now, Archer has to work as a cook in a pancake house and has to find a nanny to care for Olive while he is at work. Iris, who does not want to get attached to any family, ultimately decides that a rent-free, live-in nanny job is the perfect way to make money. All she has to do is not fall in love with Archer (and Olive) throughout the process, which proves to be a very difficult endeavor.

One of the best things about the Dream Harbor series is how cozy and charming it is—definitely evokes a Gilmore Girls or Hallmark feeling, but with spice. Overall, this was such a wonderful, lighthearted read! Highly recommend! Super excited for the next Dream Harbor book!

Tropes:
- Slow burn
- Small town romance
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Found family
- Forced proximity
- Opposites attract
- Single dad

First off, thank you NetGalley, Harper One publishing, and Laurie Gilmore for the opportunity to read this book. I love the Dream Harbor series and this one might just be my favorite one yet!

Welcome back to Dream Harbor! I loved being reunited with all my favorite characters, and meeting some new ones as well! The single dad trope is not always my favorite, but Laurie really knocked it out of park with this one. Archer was 100% the perfect girl dad for Olive! I loved that we got to see his progression through out the book as he bonded and fell more in love with Olive each chapter. Though he started out as a broody grumpy chef, by the end he was a gooey cinnamon roll MMC and I loved it so much!

We met Iris in Christmas Tree Farm, but we didn’t really get to know her. After this book though, I am a fan! She was the perfect balance for Archer’s broodiness. Her carefree spirit was so fun, but I also loved her growth as well and seeing her fall in love with Olive just as Archer was. The book was definitely a slow burn and I was here for it! The tension between these two was top notch and honestly had me on edge as to when they would get together. It was such a great slow burn!

I loved all the regular cast of characters who were back for this book. I did miss Jeanie & Logan as they were only on it a little bit, but that’s ok! I know they are coming back for book 5!

Thank you again, to NetGalley and the publishers for this book. It was such a honor to read.

The most perfect return to Dream Harbor. When Archer’s perfect Parisian life is rocked and he has to come to a quaint little town to meet a child he never knew he had, he doesn’t know how long he’ll last. He never dreamed of being a father, only or getting a Michelin star. When he falls in love with the nanny, his dreams change and he can finally see the appeal of being a Dreamer.

This was the sweetest story ever! Archer and his daughter Olive are absolutely adorable once they warm up to each other, and Iris plays such a big role in that. As Olive’s nanny, she helps bring her out of her shell and strengthen her bond with her father. It’s a tender and heartwarming read with some steamy moments too. It’s a slow burn, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. I absolutely adored Olive, and my heart melted for this trio. I really hope we get an update on them in the next book! Each book can be read as a standalone, and I recommend picking this one up if you love single dad romance, forced proximity, slow burn, found family, and grumpy/sunshine vibes.

This was probably my favorite of the Dream Harbor books so far. I loved Archer, Iris, and Olive. Small town romance with a single dad, yes please! I loved getting bits of the other characters and I'm so excited for the next book (Annie and Mac)!

Side note to add: I was SO MAD when the surprise pregnancy trope reared its head. It's literally my LEAST FAVORITE TROPE OF ALL TIME. However, I will say that it does add a positive plot arc in the book and that's why I'm forgiving it. It helped Iris get her familial HEA.

For the lover of all things single dad romance this one is for you! I’ve said it once, and I will say it again, do not let the covers and titles fool you, these books are just as spicy and good as contemporary romance writers like Elsie Silver and Hannah Bonam-Young.

Archer has recently learned that he is a single-dad, and he is in need of a nanny. In comes Iris, and well, you all know how it goes from there. What really put this book over the top is its exploration of grief for children and balancing your role as a caregiver or stepparent.

It’s easy to read, funny, cute, and spicy. There is nothing more I could have asked for out of.this book. I loved it.

Tropes: Single Dad, Nanny, Forced Proximity, Accidental Pregnancy

Thank you NetGalley for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was cute, touching, relatable, and brilliant. Archer was literally wonderful. Coming back to take care of a kid he never knew he had, how amazing! Watching his character development along with Iris throughout the story was a beautiful thing to watch unfold. I also loved Iris. She was so relatable. Messy, loves to keep moving on to different things, not sure about the future or kids. Oh, and Olive! Olive was by far my favorite. She knew and saw more the adults believed. She was spunky, fun, and so adorable! I've never been into the "single dad trope," but I think this book turned me into a lover of it! It was absolutely breathtaking how the community was, too. I loved all of them, even the nosey old ladies, lol the ending made me tear up in a good (sweet) way. Wonderful writing, brilliant story!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Harper 360 to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

4.5 stars

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House may be my favorite Dream Harbor story! I am not normally a fan of the tropes within this book, but they were done so well that I found myself really loving this one. This was a lovely read after a long morning, especially since it was raining. Really felt like I got the Dream Harbor weather experience while reading!

Iris and Archer are so cute! I loved how realistic Iris's feelings about motherhood and relationships are. It was nice to see Archer loosening up and finding his own place in the town as the story progressed. Olive is just a ball of sunshine and easily became a favorite. As for the other characters, I love an interconnected series. I enjoy getting glimpses of past main characters' lives and how they interact with the current main characters. Archer made me crave pancakes the entire time I was reading. I did not even think there were that many ways to make pancakes??? (Might make me Noah's favorite for breakfast!)

I think The Strawberry Patch Pancake House does an excellent job with character development. The growth that both Iris and Archer go through in their time together was just so well done and for the most part, lighthearted. I felt relaxed, excited, and emotional while reading this story. It was such a fun read that left me longing for more. I think this would have been five stars had the end not felt very abrupt. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and could see me reading it whenever I have a bad day and need a pick me up! Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love the cute cover. I appreciate Archer dropping everything to come care for a daughter he never knew existed. Iris was a big help to him right at the beginning with Olive. The community came together to help him. Iris was blessed with a family she never thought she wanted.

Another delightful peek into the town of Dream Harbor! Laurie Gilmore has created the cutest, friendliest, cozy, coastal town with dream harbor and the Strawberry Patch Pancake house is the next sweet & spicy installment. We meet Archer who has just found out he's now the guardian of his never before known about 5 year old daughter Olive. He upheaves his fancy Michelin star Euro chef career to move to Dream Harbor to meet and try to figure out this guardianship. We also meet Iris, a dream harbor resident , Jill of all trades just trying to get by. She takes the live in nanny position with Archer & Olive and the rest is sweet, spicy, & delicious history. So happy to meet more wonderful characters in this series and I'm looking forward to many more!

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House was such a charming and cozy read! The story flowed beautifully with great pacing, making it easy to get lost in the small-town setting. Archer and Iris had fantastic chemistry from the start, with just the right amount of push and pull to keep things engaging. I especially loved Archer’s struggle with doing the right thing as a new single dad—it added so much depth to his character. Another great theme was the realization that what you want in life can change, which was woven into the story in such a heartfelt way. Overall, this was a warm and comforting romance, perfect for when you need a feel-good read!

What a sweet happily ever after book! Archer is a world renowned chef who moved to Dream Harbor when he found out he had a young daughter. He was a grumpy workaholic until his new nanny, Iris, entered the picture. As they fell in love, Iris and Olive (his daughter) that there's more to life than work. The Strawberry Patch Pancake House made me smile and cry. I can't wait to read more books written by Laurie Gilmore!

Laurie Gilmore’s The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is a heartwarming tale set in the charming, tight-knit town of Dream Harbor. With a 4.25-star rating, this book delivers a perfect blend of community spirit, family dynamics, and romance. Gilmore’s writing captures the essence of small-town living, making Dream Harbor feel like a place where everyone knows everyone, and they all have each other’s backs. The sense of found family throughout the novel is incredibly strong, and it’s one of the things I loved most about this story.
The characters are what truly make this book shine. Archer, a fancy chef from Paris thrown into the role of insta-dad, and Iris, Archer’s new live-in nanny, find themselves navigating more than just their own personal challenges—they have the weight of community expectations, family dynamics, and their blossoming attraction to each other. The single-dad nanny trope is one that I really enjoyed. Archer’s efforts to juggle his responsibilities, along with his clear chemistry with Iris, created a delightful tension that had me turning the pages to see how their relationship would evolve. The way their initial interactions were filled with both humor and emotional depth was a real highlight for me.
But it’s not just about Archer and Iris. The development of the bond between Iris and Olive, Archer’s daughter, was truly the heart of this story. Watching Iris grow into a nurturing and loving figure for Olive was by far my favorite part of the book. Their relationship helped strengthen Olive’s relationship with her dad, Archer. It was so touching to witness how the bond between them blossomed in such an organic and meaningful way. This dynamic added layers of warmth to the story and really brought home the idea that families don’t always come in the traditional sense—sometimes they’re created with love, time, and trust.
In terms of pacing, Gilmore does a fantastic job of balancing the romance, the personal growth of the characters, and the vibrant, supportive community that surrounds them. The charm of Dream Harbor and the people within it kept me hooked from start to finish. The town itself is a character, and it provides a cozy backdrop for all the important moments in the story.
Overall, The Strawberry Patch Pancake House is an uplifting read that highlights themes of family, love, and second chances. The found family dynamic, especially between Iris and Olive, is one I’ll carry with me long after finishing the book. While I would’ve loved a little more depth in the romantic development between Iris and Archer, the overall narrative left me smiling. If you're a fan of sweet, emotional stories that celebrate community and personal growth, this book is a must-read!